by Jodie Mozdzer Gil | Oct 19, 2010 10:02 am

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Posted to: Shelton, Police

UPDATE: Alison Flannery came home from work Monday, looked out her bedroom window and saw a man “pumping his arm” into the back side of the family’s female horse, Indiana.

The horse was yelping in pain.

That’s according to Joan Flannery, Alison’s mother and the owner of the horse.

Alison Flannery called police to report the incident. Police shortly after arrested the family’s neighbor, Marian Wegiel, 63, of 11 Partridge Lane.

“I am so upset,” Joan Flannery said Tuesday. “To think you can’t even trust your neighbors.”

Wegiel was charged with cruelty to animals, fourth-degree sexual assault, third-degree criminal trespass and breach of peace.

Wegiel told police he was comforting the horses because they were scared by a loud noise, Lt. Robert Kozlowsky said.

Wegiel said he may have inadvertently put his fingers inside one of the horses, according to Kozlowsky.

Joan Flannery called the family veterinarian, who inspected the horse and didn’t find any bleeding.

“I’m grossed out,” Joan Flannery said. “The police never heard of anything like this. My vet has never heard of anything like this. . . The whole thing is sick.”

Flannery said when she arrived home, Indiana’s tail was pointed up.

“That’s not natural,” Flannery said.

The Flannery family has three horses. Indiana is the only female horse.

Joane Flannery said the horses stay in the family barn and about 2 acres behind their house.

Wegiel is free on a $500 bond.

He is scheduled to be arraigned at Superior Court in Derby on Nov. 1