An Albert Lea man accused of physically abusing his 8-year-old son in March pleaded guilty Wednesday in Freeborn County District Court.

Dakota Charles Dresser, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of gross misdemeanor malicious punishment of a child. One count of misdemeanor domestic assault was dismissed.

Court documents state Dresser was charged after a Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office detective received a Department of Human Services report on March 16.

The report indicated six or seven red scratch marks ranging from 2 inches to 6 inches from the inside of the victim’s elbow to the top of his wrist.

A second report indicated the victim had been hit on his left arm with a telephone cord by Dresser. Injuries on the victim’s arms corresponded with marks from a telephone cord, the report states.

Dresser admitted that while he was watching his children while his wife was at work, he became angry with his child after he reportedly continued to lie to him.

He admitted hitting him with a cord and acknowledged the child had been hurt when he struck him.

Dresser admitted striking the child was unreasonable and excessive.

“Yeah, it was,” he said.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 14. Dresser is expected to receive 180 days in jail, which will be stayed for two years. He is expected to complete anger management and a parenting class and meet other court requirements.