The co-defendant in a plot to cut a baby out of the womb of a pregnant woman last year pleaded guilty Thursday to kidnapping and assault charges.

Alisa D. Betts of Atchinson, Kan., sat calmly and patiently as Jackson County Circuit Judge Stephen Nixon asked her if she wanted to plead guilty to one count each of kidnapping and first-degree assault.

“Yes,” Betts softly said.

She faces up to 15 years in prison on each count.

In July 2007, Betts,18, and co-defendant Lauren Gash lured Amanda Howard from her home in Clinton, Mo., on the pretense of purchasing baby clothing at a good price. They kidnapped Howard and drove to the Interstate Inn in Blue Springs, Mo., where she was bound, gagged and assaulted before police arrived.

Gash had all the necessary equipment to cut out Howard’s unborn baby. Police found a drop cloth, scissors, a fish-cleaning kit and infant care items.

Gash, who also pleaded guilty, was sentenced in August to eight years in prison.

Betts called police for help before Gash could perform the surgery. Betts got cold feet about the plan.

Jackson County prosecutors agreed to drop a third count, felonious restraint in exchange for the plea deal.

Howard, whose name is now Amanda Culley, has moved on from the incident, raising the baby boy with her husband, Andrew.

Culley chose not to attend the hearing but will try to make it to the sentencing on Nov. 14.

The Examiner