SAN DIEGO -- The attorney for Randy "Duke" Cunningham denied that the disgraced former congressman had worn a concealed microphone to gather evidence against other public officials.

K. Lee Blalack issued a statement Monday denying a report that appeared in Time magazine and prompted fierce speculation in Washington. Time reported Friday that Cunningham wore the wire before he entered his plea on Nov. 28.

Blalack declined to specify whether Cunningham wore a concealed microphone in conversations with private individuals, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"The press, citing unnamed sources, continues to report that Duke Cunningham wore a tape recording device, or wire, to surreptitiously gather evidence on behalf of the government. This story is false," Blalack said in a statement reported by The Times.

"Duke has never worn a body wire during any conversations with his former congressional colleagues or any other public official, and he has not surreptitiously gathered evidence against any public officials."

Blalack, contacted at his Washington, D.C., office, declined to clarify whether Cunningham may have gathered evidence against those who are not public officials, such as lobbyists or military contractors, according to The Times.

Cunningham, a 64-year-old Republican, resigned from Congress in November after pleading guilty to receiving $2.4 million in bribes, and tax evasion.