Singer Anthony Kiedis convicted of sexual battery, indecent exposure

FAIRFAX, Va. -- The lead singer of the rock group Red Hot Chili Peppers was convicted Tuesday of sexual battery and indecent exposure after a concert in suburban Washington, D.C.

Anthony Kiedis, 27, of Los Angeles, was accused of touching a woman's face with his penis after a concert at George Mason University in Fairfax County on April 21, 1989.

The woman, a student at GMU who served on the university's program board, said the incident occurred outside the band's dressing room after the concert.

Circuit Court jurors recommended that Kiedis be fined $1,000 on each charge. He could have received up to 60 days in jail.

Judge Michael McWeeny set sentencing for Friday. Under Virginia law, McWeeny can impose the jury's recommendation or reduce it, but he cannot increase it.

The Circuit Court trial was an appeal of a ruling by a lower court judge, who found Kiedis guilty of both charges and sentenced him to 60 days in jail.

Kiedis denied ever touching the woman but others said they saw the incident and a band member admitted he made an encouraging statement.

Fans of the rock band, whose music is described as 'white funk,' packed the courtroom during the two days of testimony.

The band's latest album, 'Mother's Milk,' includes the hit songs 'Knock Me Down,' and a remake of the Stevie Wonder tune 'Higher Ground.'