Earlier this month, the owner of Concord Casino and former New Hampshire state senator, Andy Sanborn, was arrested over allegations of fraud and misappropriation of COVID-related relief funds. Now, the former senator was officially indicted on felony charges after allegedly stealing nearly $200,000 from the state.
Sanborn Indicted on Theft by Deception
A grand jury issued the indictments against Sanborn last week in a move that may ultimately put at risk his plans to sell Concord Casino, the New Hampshire Journal reports. The casino owner is facing one count of felony theft by deception. On the other hand, Win Win Win LLC, the company that owns Concord Casino, was hit with one count of theft by unauthorized taking and one count of theft by deception.
Allegations against Sanborn claim that he reported false figures when submitting an application for Main Street Relief Fund Grants. This alleged fraudulent activity enabled him to secure more than $188,000 in pandemic relief funds from the state’s program that supports small businesses. Sanborn allegedly reported false information by overstating his casino’s receipts by more than $1 million.
This is the first time Sanborn is facing charges for his suspected unlawful actions. Amid the investigation into his actions, the state ordered him to sell his casino as he was found to be unfit to operate it. Besides the aforementioned charges, Sanborn is facing scrutiny for a separate fraudulent action.
Allegedly, the former senator and casino owner misused more than $844,000 in COVID relief funds. Although he was not entitled to receive those funds as they had to help his business, Win Win Win LLC, he is suspected of using the money on personal expenditures, including the purchase of sports cars and other luxury items for himself and his wife.
The former senator is expected to appear in court this week for an arraignment on the charges.
The Sale of Concord Casino Is at Risk
While Sanborn was ordered to sell his casino, the recent indictment against him and his business may complicate the process and even prevent the former senator from completing the sale. Previously, Sanborn’s legal representatives attempted to extend the deadline for the sale of the casino.
To make matters worse, the ongoing legal action against Win Win Win and Sanborn may make Concord Casino unappealing to potential buyers. Such legal complications may affect the future of the casino, which is something that likely buyers would try to avoid.
