Release prospects looking good for Bob Ney

MORGANTOWN, W.Va., Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Former Rep. Bob Ney, Ohio-R, may be moved from federal prison in Morgantown, W.Va. to a halfway house, said Ney lawyer William Lawler.

Lawler said Ney would be moved to a facility that serves as a transition between prison and being released, The Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch reported Monday.

He added that Ney has also made in an alcohol treatment program, working toward recovery.

"There is a good chance he could be released to a halfway house this month," Lawler said. "I think he's doing pretty well. He's paid a lot of attention to his rehabilitation efforts and his substance abuse efforts."

Ney was sent to prison after being convicted on federal corruption charges. He began serving his sentence in Morgantown, which holds about 1,100 inmates, March 1, 2007.