RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A Rapid City man who confessed to raping a 3-year-old girl could spend the rest of his life in prison.

Judge Janine Kern warned 38-year-old Alexander Palomarez that a life sentence is possible before he pleaded guilty Wednesday to first-degree rape.

Palomarez told Kern he was baby-sitting on June 1 when he had sex with the child and took pictures with his cellphone.

Prosecutors dropped child pornography charges against Palomarez, but he still faces at least 15 years in prison when he is sentenced Dec. 9.

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