Attorney General Kwame Raoul has announced a guilty plea and sentencing in an animal cruelty case involving a Vermilion County resident. Crystal Calbro, aged 44, from Danville, Illinois, was sentenced by Vermilion County Circuit Court Judge Karen E. Wall to 12 months of court supervision. As part of her sentence, Calbro is prohibited from owning horses, rabbits, and donkeys and must undergo a psychological evaluation. Additionally, she is required to pay a $2,200 fine and restitution amounting to $44,718 to the Vermilion County Department of Animal Regulation.
Raoul stated: "The living conditions of the animals under the defendant’s care were truly abhorrent. Those who neglect or abuse animals should be held accountable." He further emphasized the importance of state and local agency collaboration in protecting these animals.
The case stems from observations made in March 2023 regarding the health conditions of animals on Calbro's property. The Vermilion County Department of Animal Regulation seized eight horses, two rabbits, and one donkey due to inadequate living conditions including lack of sufficient food and clean water. The animals were found to be underweight with signs of neglect.
Since their seizure in March 2023, the animals have been cared for by the Vermilion County Department of Animal Regulation.
The Attorney General's office took on this prosecution following a referral from the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office. Assistant Attorney General Peter Ravoori handled the case for Raoul’s Criminal Prosecutions and Trials Assistance Bureau.