Former New Hampshire state senator and Concord Casino owner Andy Sanborn has been arrested for alleged fraud and misappropriation of pandemic relief funds. He reportedly manipulated the casino’s revenue figures to obtain an extra $188,474.33 from the state’s Main Street Relief Fund program to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both Sides Levy Significant Accusations
According to a recent report by local news outlet Concord Monitor, this new development is part of a broader investigation into Sanborn’s use of more than $844,000 in pandemic funds that were supposed to go toward his business, WIN WIN WIN LLC, which operates the Concord Casino. Instead, prosecutors say, the money went towards luxury purchases, including luxury race cars for Sanborn and his wife, state representative Laurie Sanborn.
The investigation’s findings led state officials to declare him unfit to continue operating in charitable gaming and to order him to sell his casino. However, he had never been indicted for any crime connected to the case till his arrest. Sanborn’s lawyers claim his arrest is no more than a last-ditch attempt by the Attorney General’s Office to sabotage the coming sale of the Concord Casino.
Rather than approve the buyer and put this case to rest, the state has dropped any pretense and made clear it intends to do what it can to delay and block a sale.
Andy Sanborn legal team statement
Sanborn’s defense questioned the AG’s competence, stating that it faced potential sanctions for prosecutorial misconduct. The legal team argued that Administrative Law Judges had regularly rejected the AG’s positions. They also claimed three NH Superior Court judges had stepped in to admonish the authority for violating Sanborn’s constitutional rights.
A Casino Sale Is Becoming Increasingly Unlikely
The arrest comes as Sanborn’s legal team fights to extend the casino sale deadline. In the most recent ruling, Judge Gregory Albert denied a motion from Sanborn to push back the date, citing a lack of authority to grant said relief. However, he acknowledged Sanborn’s challenge, leaving an opening for rehearing.
We are disappointed but not surprised. And we remain confident that the NH judiciary will continue to do justice and hold the AG accountable.
Andy Sanborn legal team statement
Complicating matters, the New Hampshire Lottery Commission is asking for clarification of Judge Albert’s recent order regarding the revocation of Sanborn’s casino license, effective 1 October 2023. Sanborn’s attorneys argue that the Commission has misinterpreted the order, insisting that the casino permit is still active.
The legal disputes, combined with Sanborn’s arrest, have caused significant concern among potential buyers of the Concord Casino. Question marks over Sanborn’s legal woes and the suspension of his gaming license have made closing the sale tricky, and potential buyers want to avoid complications after the transaction. Meanwhile, the Attorney General’s Office emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
