Alabama fan pleads not guilty in sexual battery case - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

Alabama fan pleads not guilty in sexual battery case

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Posted by Joshua Auzenne - email
Brian Downing (Source: Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office) Brian Downing (Source: Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office)
NEW ORLEANS, LA (WAFB) -

WWL-TV in New Orleans reports the Alabama fan indicted for sexual battery has pleaded not guilty in his arraignment hearing Monday morning.

Brian Downing, 32, of Smiths Station, AL was officially charged with sexual battery and obscenity Thursday.

Sexual battery is a felony.

His bond was set at $50,000.

Downing is believed to be the man seen in a controversial video rubbing his genitals on the neck of a passed out LSU fan following the BCS Championship game in January.

The victim has filed a lawsuit against Downing and the Krystal Burger on Bourbon Street where the incident took place.

Downing turned himself in to the New Orleans Police Department after being identified as the suspect in the now-infamous video that went viral on the internet.

If convicted, Downing could be sentenced to up to ten years in jail on the sexual battery charge, and up to three years in jail on the obscenity charge.

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