Concord Casino Owner Arrested for Alleged Fraud
Former New Hampshire state senator and owner of the Concord Casino, Andy Sanborn, has been taken into custody following accusations of fraud and misuse of pandemic relief funds.
Authorities claim that he manipulated the casino’s financial records to unlawfully acquire an additional $188,474.33 from the state’s Main Street Relief Fund, a program designed to support small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Serious Allegations from Both Sides
According to a local press report, the charges are part of a broader probe into Sanborn’s handling of over $844,000 in pandemic assistance intended for his business, WIN WIN WIN LLC, the operator of Concord Casino. Prosecutors allege that instead of using the funds for the business, Sanborn diverted the money for personal luxury items, including high-end race cars for himself and his wife, Laurie Sanborn, who is a state representative.
The investigation’s findings led state officials to rule Sanborn unfit to continue in charitable gaming and ordered him to sell the casino. However, until his arrest, no criminal charges had been filed against him in connection to the case. Sanborn’s attorneys argue that the arrest is a last-ditch effort by the Attorney General’s Office to interfere with the imminent 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.
Sanborn’s defense criticized the Attorney General’s Office and said that it could face sanctions for prosecutorial misconduct. They pointed out that Administrative Law Judges had frequently ruled against the AG’s arguments, and three New Hampshire Superior Court judges had called out the office for infringing on Sanborn’s constitutional rights.
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Casino Sale Becoming Unlikely
With Sanborn’s legal team still fighting for an extension of the casino sale deadline, the arrest will only add complications. In a recent decision, Judge Gregory Albert denied a motion from Sanborn seeking to delay the sale, stating he lacked the authority to grant such a request. However, the judge did acknowledge Sanborn’s concerns, leaving the possibility for a rehearing open.
Furthermore, the New Hampshire Lottery Commission has requested clarification regarding Judge Albert’s ruling on the revocation of Sanborn’s casino license, which was set to take effect on October 1, 2023. Sanborn’s lawyers claim the Commission has misinterpreted the ruling, maintaining that the license remains valid.
The legal uncertainty surrounding Sanborn’s arrest and the status of his gaming license has raised concerns among potential buyers of the Concord Casino. The ongoing legal battles and the suspension of Sanborn’s license have made the sale difficult, as buyers are wary of dealing with potential complications after closing. Meanwhile, the Attorney General’s Office has reiterated that the investigation is still active.
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