Former Casino Owner to Plead Guilty in Covid Aid Fraud Case

Dramatic turn in a case that has been unfolding for years: former New Hampshire state senator and casino owner Andy Sanborn has agreed to plead guilty to charges related to the improper use of relief funds in connection with the COVID pandemic.

He Admitted to Wrongdoing 

Federal authorities announced Tuesday, May 26, 20206, that Sanborn admitted to improperly using more than $250,000 from a federal pandemic assistance loan that had been intended to support his business operations during the COVID era.

Prosecutors said the misuse of the funds violated the terms of the Small Business Administration relief program created to help struggling businesses survive the pandemic.

Sanborn, who owned Concord Casino in New Hampshire, had previously denied all allegations connected to the case. State authorities shut down the casino in 2023 after accusing him of fraud involving pandemic aid programs.

10 Years Prison Time and Up to $250,000 in Fines

Under the plea agreement, Sanborn faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. However, federal prosecutors said they plan to recommend a sentence of one year and one day behind bars.

He could also face fines of up to $250,000 and may be required to repay the funds through restitution.

The agreement also resolves any potential criminal exposure for his wife, former New Hampshire House member Laurie Sanborn, who has not been charged in the investigation.

Authorities allege that Sanborn received approximately $844,000 in pandemic loans almost four years ago.

Two Porsches and a Ferrari 

New Hampshire Lottery Commission documents previously released claimed that the funds were used to purchase two Porsches and a Ferrari connected to his wife, along with tens of thousands of dollars in vehicle services, engineering expenses on a construction tied to Sanborn’s casino project, and rent payments to businesses under his control.

The former senator is still challenging the state’s decision to revoke his casino license before the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

He is also facing separate criminal charges in state court linked to another pandemic relief program. Prosecutors allege he inflated business revenue figures in order to obtain an additional $188,000 in state assistance.Federal officials said the case is now being handled under the National Fraud Enforcement Division, a recently created agency focused on investigating misuse of federal benefit programs.