Jeffrey Collins and Michael Biesecker Posts

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.