Track worker guilty of assault on animal

A judge found a former Arlington Park groomer guilty Monday afternoon of having sexual contact with an animal, a class 4 felony punishable by one to three years in prison.

Esbin Cal-Orozco could also receive probation when he is sentenced on Feb. 9 by Cook County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Fecarotta.

A fellow groomer testified he found the filly late Sept. 12 or early Sept. 13 in her stall, tied improperly and with two large buckets behind her. Arlington Heights detective Richard Sperando testified that several days later Cal-Orozco, 29, made a statement after signing a Miranda waiver. His statement matched the evidence found at the scene, said lead prosecutor Mike Gerber, a Cook County Assistant State's Attorney.

According to his statement, Cal-Orozco ran away after the horse kicked him, Gerber said.