Update: On Feb. 16, Sam Berry’s permanent ineligibility status in the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s disciplinary database was changed to “temporary suspension.” SafeSport representatives did not immediately return a request for comment.

Hunter/jumper trainer Sam Berry was arrested Jan. 19 in Lexington, Kentucky, on felony charges related to alleged sexual abuse of a minor. He was released Jan. 20 on $7,500 bond.

According to jail records, he has been charged with 21 counts of “possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor” and three counts of” use of a minor in a sexual performance.” A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for Feb. 8.

Berry, 28, previously was suspended by the U.S. Center for SafeSport on Aug. 29, 2022. That suspension was changed to permanent ineligibility Dec. 15, and Berry was added to the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s ineligibility list the same day. The reasons for his ineligibility, which is still subject to appeal, are listed in the SafeSport centralized disciplinary database as “Intimate relationship involving a minor; Violated NGB policies/bylaws; Social media and electronic communication; sexual misconduct involving a minor; proactive policy violation; and physical misconduct.”

Berry was head trainer for Finally Home Farm in Lexington. The hunter/jumper facility did not immediately respond to a request for comment.