NEW HAVEN Conn. - Former Gov. John G. Rowland had decided to plead guilty to charges in a two-year corruption investigation that drove him from office, The Associated Press has learned.

Rowland, a three-term governor who resigned July 1, was scheduled to make the plea Thursday morning in U.S. District Court, according to a source familiar with the case.

Rowland, 47, was once one of the GOP's rising young stars. He became engulfed in scandal in December 2003 when he admitted accepting renovations at his lakeside cottage - including a hot tub and new heating system from employees and state contractors - and lying about it. Other gifts and favors soon came to light.