US man accused of cutting off pregnant ex-girlfriend's nipples pleads guilty

Sioux Falls: A South Dakota man accused of sitting on his pregnant ex-girlfriend and slicing off her nipples with a pair of scissors has pleaded guilty.

The Argus Leader reported that 45-year-old Tony Ledbetter of Sioux Falls pleaded guilty Friday to three counts of aggravated assault.

Each count carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. As part of a plea deal, the state agreed to ask for no more than 30 years.

Prosecutors said the victim is pregnant with Ledbetter's child.

Police said Ledbetter and his ex-girlfriend were having an argument in October about their relationship when Ledbetter punched her, slammed her head on the ground and tried to get her to stop screaming by putting pressure on her throat with his forearm. Ledbetter later grabbed a pair of scissors.

Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 28.