A Bismarck man accused of raping a classmate has pleaded guilty to a sex charge.

Marcus Bartole, 22, pleaded guilty on Thursday to sexual imposition, a Class Bfelony.

Bartole has been accused of forcing a 19-year-old woman to have sex when they were working on a project at her home on Oct. 22, 2007.

Bartole had been charged with Class AAfelony gross sexual imposition because of allegations of force. A reduced charge, filed Thursday, said he used threats of force in the attack.

Bartole will be sentenced by South Central District Judge Tom Schneider following a presentence investigation. He faces up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

- Jenny Michael