State Sen. Vincent Leibell is expected to plead guilty to federal criminal charges, barring his ascension to Putnam County executive.

The Putnam County Board cannot make any decisions regarding the new executive until Jan. 1, when Leibell was to assume the post.

As soon as the board declares the post vacant, its members can appoint an interim county executive. If Leibell does not formally decline the job, the board must wait 30 days to declare the vacancy.

Sources say the interim job may be offered to current County Executive Bob Bondi, who had planned on retiring at the end of his term, or Mary Ellen Odell, who challenged Leibell for county executive in a Republican primary last year.

State Sen. Leibell won't take office as Putnam Co. exec