An Army general who admitted to inappropriate relationships with three soldiers who had served under his command pleaded guilty Monday to lesser charges as prosecutors dropped the most serious — sexual assault counts — as part of a deal. It comes as the military continues to grapple with revelations of sex crimes in its ranks and political pressure to address the issue. A sentencing hearing for Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Sinclair — believed to be the highest-ranking U.S. military officer to face court-martial on sexual assault charges — was expected to begin after a two-hour recess.