The Shelton man accused of sexually assaulting his neighbor’s horse has applied for accelerated rehabilitation, a court program that could clear his record if completed successfully.
Marian Wegiel, 63, of Partridge Lane, was arrested in October after his neighbor said she saw him sexually assault her horse, Indiana.
He was charged with fourth-degree sexual assault, cruelty to animals, third-degree criminal trespass and second-degree breach of peace.
His attorney, Ralph Crozier, said Wegiel is the perfect candidate for the accelerated rehabilitation program.
“The program was created for people like him,” Crozier said. “He’s not likely to violate the law in the future and has no criminal record.”
He made the application during a brief court appearance at Superior Court in Derby Wednesday morning.
Wegiel underwent a psychological evaluation at Crozier’s request, the results of which found “he’s got nothing wrong with him,” Crozier said.
The results were not discussed in court Wednesday.
“He’s perfectly normal. He’s not a danger to himself or anyone,” Crozier told the Valley Indy. “He has no unique tendencies.”
Wegiel’s neighbors, the Flannery family, disagree.
They’ve installed cameras on their property since the incident, and said they fear that Wegiel will try to assault their horse again.
Christine Flannery, one of the owners of the horse, was in court again Wednesday.
In December she said she lives in constant fear of another attack.
On March 11, Flannery will have a chance to state her concerns on the record.
That’s when Wegiel is due back in court for a hearing on whether the court will grant him entry to the accelerated rehabilitation program.
Crozier said he plans to submit letters of support from Wegiel’s church, indicating his “thousands of hours of time spent for charity” and his “unblemished record.”
First time offenders can apply for accelerated rehabilitation. The program, which includes probation time, results in charges being dropped from a person’s record, if successfully completed.
