VALPARAISO | A 27-year-old man on Friday admitted his infant daughter suffered broken ribs while under his care.

Jeremy Vega, of Merrillville, who was living with his fiancee and their baby in Hebron when the baby was injured, pleaded guilty to felony child neglect in exchange for a felony battery charge being dropped.

Vega, who had faced a maximum 28 years in prison if convicted of both charges, now faces a cap of 15 years, according to the terms of the plea agreement.

Porter Circuit Court Judge Mary Harper took the agreement under advisement. If she accepts Vega's guilty plea, she will let attorneys on both sides argue sentencing before sentencing him on March 20.

During Friday's hearing, Vega admitted his daughter was uninjured before he watched her, then suffered broken ribs under his care which required her hospitalization. At the hospital, the doctor determined the baby had three types of fractures -- new ones, ones days or weeks old and one already healed, police said.

Police said the doctor ruled out natural reasons, stating the injuries were inflicted, like from a punch.

During Friday's hearing, the court was informed the baby tested negative for brittle bone disease.

Vega also admitted in court the baby frustrated him because he couldn't comfort her, and that he "couldn't take it."

The baby was injured between Oct. 19, 2005, and Jan 5, 2006, according to Porter County police.

Vega also faces a conversion charge in Merrillville Town Court.