One of Michael Vick's co-defendants who was an informant against the suspended NFL quarterback was released from federal prison yesterday after completing his two-month sentence.

Tony Taylor, 35, of Hampton, received the lightest term of the four men sent to prison for their roles in operating Bad Newz Kennels in Surry County. A fifth defendant, Oscar Allen, 67, of Williamsburg, who also assisted investigators, was given probation.

Vick, 27, is being held at the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan., where he is serving a 23-month sentence.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons said Taylor was released from the federal prison work camp in Lewisburg, Pa., yesterday morning.

He pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court here last year to one federal count of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of illegal gambling and to sponsor a dog in animal fighting. -- Frank Green