A 47-year-old Albert Lea woman charged with stabbing her boyfriend during an altercation in July pleaded guilty Thursday to a lesser charge of assault.

Machelle Yvonne Rowand pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree assault, a felony, in Freeborn County District Court. She had previously been charged with second-degree assault.

According to court documents, Rowand reportedly stabbed the man after the two had been drinking beer July 17 at 304 W. College St.

Reports stated Rowand was complaining about needing the Internet to talk to her family, but her boyfriend told her he could not afford it.

The victim told police Rowand attempted to stab him multiple times with a small-bladed knife and succeeded in stabbing him in the wrist and swiping him on the shoulder. She also reportedly stabbed the couch several times.

The knife was found on a coffee table near the couch in the house.

Court records state Rowand admitted to stabbing her boyfriend without any prompting or questioning when an officer arrived at the house. She also reportedly started talking about prior domestic disputes she has had with her boyfriend.

Freeborn County District Judge Ross Leuning on Thursday said Rowand could be released on her own recognizance prior to sentencing if she agreed to follow a series of conditions.

Conditions include not using or possessing alcohol or controlled substances, complying with random alcohol and drug testing, remaining law abiding and not using or possessing guns.

Leuning also approved a bail of $50,000 if Rowand did not want to follow the conditions.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 31.