Former New Hampshire Senator Admits to Misuse of COVID-19 Relief Funds
Legal Case Against Former Senator Andy Sanborn Concludes
Former New Hampshire state senator and owner of Concord Casino, Andy Sanborn, has confessed to misappropriating $250,000 in COVID-19 relief money for personal use. This admission brings an end to the legal proceedings that have surrounded him. Authorities had previously deemed Sanborn unfit to operate charitable gaming activities, leading to the closure of Concord Casino.
Comprehensive Investigation by Multiple Agencies
The United States Attorney’s Office revealed that Sanborn received $844,000 in pandemic relief funds, which he claimed were intended to support his Concord Casino business. However, federal investigations exposed that more than $250,000 of this money was diverted for other uses, including the purchase of a luxury vehicle.
The initial allegations came to light in 2023 when New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella pressed charges against Sanborn and his wife. The case involved collaboration from the FBI, IRS, and US Postal Inspection Service, whose combined efforts unearthed critical evidence about the misuse of funds.
The fraud accusations significantly impacted Sanborn’s casino operations. In 2024, the state moved to revoke his license to operate the casino, citing his unfitness to manage charitable gaming. Attempts to transfer ownership of the casino were unsuccessful, ultimately resulting in the permanent closure of the venue.
Guilty Plea Brings Reduced Sentence and Additional Legal Challenges
Sanborn pleaded guilty to Theft of Government Funds, a charge that can carry a prison sentence of up to ten years and fines up to double the amount stolen. However, under a plea deal revealed by prosecutor Alexander Chen, Sanborn faces approximately ten months in prison and must repay the misused amount with interest.
The agreement also protects both Concord Casino and Sanborn’s wife from any criminal charges. Despite the plea, Sanborn faces a pending separate lawsuit filed by the state Attorney General’s Office, alleging that he manipulated his business’s financial records to obtain larger relief funds. This case is scheduled to go to trial in early 2027.
At the conclusion of the plea hearing, Sanborn chose not to make any statements. Released on bail, he is currently restricted from traveling abroad. The closure of Concord Casino means the state will lose a source of revenue that was earmarked for public education and local projects. With the casino property now in legal uncertainty and ongoing litigation, its future remains unclear.
