A Kentucky-based trainer has pleaded guilty to 16 counts of second-degree cruelty to animals charges resulting from an October 2007 incident in Nelson County, Ky.

Joseph D. “J.D.” Crescini, who signed the guilty plea Sept. 9, faces a recommended sentence of one year in jail, with 11 months suspended, and court costs. His sentencing in Nelson County District Court is scheduled for Oct. 21.

The charges stemmed from an Oct. 12, 2007 investigation by Nelson County Animal Control and local law authorities, who claim they found two dead horses and 12 “severely” undernourished horses – most believed to be Thoroughbreds — at a property on Plum Run Road.

Crescini claimed to own the horses, according to a Nelson County Sheriff Department report, but denied they were neglected. The report claims Crescini told deputies Thoroughbreds are “supposed to be skinny,” and that they “used to be on steroids, and now that they aren’t, they are withering away