The head of the Navajo Nation's legislative branch has resigned a day before he is to plead guilty in a criminal case.
Johnny Naize's resignation Monday ends his nearly four years as speaker of the Navajo Nation Council and 16 years as a tribal lawmaker.
The council already had stripped Naize of his administrative duties after he was charged with bribery and conspiracy in an investigation into the use of tribal funds.
His attorney, Troy Eid, says Naize is expected to plead guilty Tuesday to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. Prosecutors say Naize schemed with his former colleagues to divert tens of thousands of dollars to his family.
Eid says Naize is accepting responsibility to restore harmony and balance to the Navajo people.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.