NEW YORK (AP) - Rapper Jim Jones has pleaded guilty to assault in a scuffle with a friend of Ne-Yo's as the R&B crooner looked on at a Louis Vuitton store in New York City.

Jones entered his plea to the misdemeanor charge Monday. He was sentenced to time served - the few hours he was in custody after turning himself in to police in January.

He and Jayvon Smith faced off in front of holiday shoppers Dec. 22 at the Fifth Avenue luxury-goods store. Defense lawyer Scott Leemon has said Jones didn't start the fight.

Leemon said Monday that Jones pleaded guilty because he didn't want to risk probation - and potential touring restrictions - if convicted.

The 33-year-old Jones released his latest album, "Pray IV Reign," in March.

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