Former Ohio Congressman Bob Ney is about to be released from prison. Sources said the longtime Republican representative could be a free man by late Friday or Saturday.

One source described Ney’s release from prison as imminent. Ney pleaded guilty to exchanging political favors for money and gifts.

Ney resigned from office and was sentenced to 30 months in prison, first in West Virginia, then in a halfway house in Cincinnati. If he is released Friday or Saturday, Ney will have served 17 1/2 months of his sentence.

Sources said it's likely Ney’s sentence was reduced because he completed substance abuse therapy behind bars. Ethics groups said they’re satisfied and that even the reduced sentence sent a message to other politicians.

“Mr. Ney has clearly been punished for his behavior, he has no more career. He gave up all the power that he had. I wouldn’t say life is exactly great for Mr. Ney right now,” said Melanie Sloan, Citizens for Ethics in Washington.

Since being at the halfway house, Ney has been allowed to hold a job outside the facility during daytime hours.

For more local news, click here.