At its annual meeting on Sunday, March 9 in Columbus, Ohio, the United States Trotting Association (USTA) Board of Directors voted to hand down sanctions to seven members judged to have violated Association rules and/or bylaws.

The Board relied upon the results of a nearly year-long probe conducted by the Standardbred Racing Investigative Fund (SRIF), which earlier this year reported its discoveries. The findings of violations resulted from an investigation into misconduct committed in connection with former USTA member Nick Surick. In accordance with USTA Bylaw 8.01, the disciplinary actions may not be appealed.

“These investigations are the first to be completed but they will not be the last,” said Russell Williams, President of USTA. "The alliance between the Standardbred Racing Investigative Fund and U.S. Trotting will enhance protection of USTA data integrity, including registration and transfer of horses. It will also encourage transparency and fair dealing among the membership. USTA staff handled these matters with the utmost competence. Our board made its determinations fairly and resolutely.”

Those USTA members penalized or cited are:

• Joel Benson (Pompano Beach, Florida)
  Two-year suspension of membership and a fine in the amount of $50,000 for violation of USTA Rule 20.06 (Fraudulent Misconduct by Member); USTA Bylaws §§ 1:04(a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(5).
• Adam Bowden (Lexington, Kentucky)
  A fine in the amount of $28,000 for violation of USTA Rule 20.06 (Fraudulent Misconduct by Member).
• Diamond Creek Farm LLC (Wellsville, Pennsylvania)
  A fine in the amount of $5,000 for violation of USTA Rule 26.16 (Failure to Submit Information).
• Yannick Gingras (Allentown, New Jersey)
  A fine in the amount of $5,000 and a written reprimand for violation of USTA Rule 20.07 (Conspiracy to Commit Violation of Rules) in conspiring to violate USTA Rule 20.06 (Fraudulent Misconduct by Member).
• Shaun R. Laungani (Lexington, Kentucky)
  A fine in the amount of $7,000 for violation of USTA Rule 20.06 (Fraudulent Misconduct by Member).
• Debbie Surick (Freehold, New Jersey)
  Permanent expulsion of membership for violation of USTA Rule 20.06 (Fraudulent Misconduct by Member); Rule 20.07 (Conspiracy to Commit Violation of Rules); Rule 20.15 (False Ownership); Rule 26.16 (Failure to Submit Information): Bylaws §§ 1.04(a)(7); 1.04(a)(2), and 1.04(a)(5).
• Elizabeth C. Yontz (Paris, Kentucky)
  A fine in the amount of $2,500, the entire sum suspended, and a written reprimand for violation of USTA Rule 20.06. (Fraudulent Misconduct by Member).

(USTA)