Eric Cherry fined $32,500 for fraudulent misconduct and lying

As reported by the USTA, Mr. Eric Cherry has been fined $2,500 for each of seven violations of USTA Rule 20.06 (fraudulent misconduct by member), $5,000 for each of two additional violations of Rule 20.06, and $5,000 for one violation of USTA Rule 26.16 (failure to submit information), for a total fine of $32,500.

Mr. Cherry knowingly owned at least seven registered Standardbreds with Nick Surick while Mr. Surick was not a member of the USTA and caused false registrations that concealed Mr. Surick’s co-ownership of these horses and is fined $2,500 for each of these seven violations of Rule 20.06.

Mr. Cherry engaged in additional fraudulent misconduct by lying in interviews with the Standardbred Racing Investigative Fund and lying in his testimony before the USTA committee that investigated his misconduct and is fined $5,000 for each of these two violations of Rule 20.06.

Mr. Cherry also failed to produce records related to his misconduct and is fined $5,000 for this violation of Rule 26.16.

The fine has been paid.

Read the fines and suspensions bulletin from USTA click here.

In response, Eric Cherry has strongly denied any intent to conceal ownership or mislead regulators, insisting that if any hidden ownership existed, “it was definitely hidden from me.”

He criticized the USTA’s investigative process as unfair and lacking transparency, and says the penalties have left him questioning his continued involvement in the sport.

For Cherry’s full response and more background on the case, read the extended story click here.

by Harnesslink Media