E-Mail
Print
An Alabama fan charged with sexually assaulting a passed-out LSU fan in the French Quarter has reached a deal to plead guilty to an obscenity charge.
WWL-TV reports that the suspect, Brian H. Downing, received a sentence of two years in jail and will report to prison on November 29. The report says that the judge recommended Downing for a boot camp, the successful completion of which could reduce his sentence.
In May, Downing pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual battery and obscenity. He was facing up to ten years in prison if convicted on those charges.
Legal analyst Tim Meche said Downing made a smart move by accepting the plea arrangement
''Most observers were surprised that this gentleman was even considering going to trial, it appeared there was no way he was not going to get found guilty,'' said Meche.
Meche said it's likely Downing will get the two year prison sentence but added it's not guaranteed.
''Both the district attorney and the defense recommend the sentence to the judge and sometimes the judge tells them whether or not she'll accept the recommendation.''
A video that went viral on the Internet appeared to show Downing performing a simulated sex act on an unconscious LSU fan at a Bourbon Street restaurant. The alleged assault happened on the same night the Crimson Tide beat LSU for the BCS football championship on Jan. 9.
An edited video of the video in question is below:
