Former Casino Owner to Plead Guilty in Covid Aid Fraud Case

Admission of Misuse of Covid Relief Funds

In a significant development, Andy Sanborn, a former state senator of New Hampshire and former casino owner, has agreed to plead guilty to charges involving the improper use of federal COVID-19 relief funds. Authorities revealed that Sanborn misappropriated more than $250,000 from a loan designed to help his business during the pandemic. This loan was part of a Small Business Administration program aimed at supporting struggling companies amid COVID-19 challenges.

Background and Legal Consequences

Sanborn, who owned a casino in Concord, New Hampshire, had initially denied all accusations related to the fraud allegations. However, following an investigation, the casino was shut down in 2023 due to allegations connected to pandemic aid fraud. Under the terms of his plea deal, Sanborn faces up to 10 years in prison. Despite this, prosecutors intend to recommend a sentence of just over one year. Additionally, he could be fined as much as $250,000 and might be required to return the misused funds through restitution.

Impact on Family and Related Legal Actions

The plea agreement also protects Sanborn’s wife, Laurie Sanborn, a former member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, from potential criminal charges as she has not been formally implicated in the investigation. Records indicate that Sanborn received pandemic relief loans amounting to approximately $844,000 nearly four years ago.

Details of Fund Misuse

Official documents from the New Hampshire Lottery Commission highlight that some of the relief money was spent on luxury vehicles, including two Porsches and a Ferrari linked to his wife. Other expenditures involved vehicle services, construction engineering related to the casino, and rental payments for businesses under Sanborn’s control.

Ongoing Legal Challenges and Additional Charges

Sanborn continues to contest the state’s decision to revoke his casino license in the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Moreover, he is also facing separate state criminal charges for allegedly providing false business revenue figures to obtain an extra $188,000 in pandemic relief aid. The case is currently managed by the National Fraud Enforcement Division, a federal agency established to investigate the misuse of government benefit programs.