Summary:
- Sanborn owns the Concord Casino in Concord, NH.
- The former senator may be banned from operating casinos permanently.
- Sanborn says he is innocent of all charges.
During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses across the United States were shut down in an attempt to slow the spread of the disease.
Over time, the federal government decided to offer payment to citizens and businesses to help after many were unable to work or offer services. Business owners could apply for COVID-19 relief funds to stay afloat. At times, the funds were misused, and former Senator Andy Sanborn is accused of using funds in New Hampshire for a casino and luxury cars.
Poor Misuse of Funds
The allegations state that Sanborn received COVID-19 relief and used the money to pay for his Concord Casino located inside the Draft Sports Bar and Grill. The location in Concord is reportedly a charitable business.
Sanborn was looking to open a larger venue several miles away and while he was under a standard review, it seems the fund usage came to light. Gambling regulators reportedly found misusage of the cash provided via loans. The former senator does not agree with the findings of the Commission and says his action was in accordance with the law.
A Criminal Investigation Begins
The federal authorities were notified, and an investigation is now taking place. The state is also investigating the matter. Attorney General John Formella stated that the case shows the importance of law enforcement and keeping illegal activity out of the charitable gaming industry.
The obligation of officials is to protect public demands and take action against anyone who used a regulated casino to enrich their own lives via taxpayer funds that were obtained in a fraudulent manner. Sanford reportedly received $844,000 in funding from December 2021 to February 2022. The Small Business Administration gave him the funds.
Casinos and charitable gaming organizations are not eligible to receive any such funds, so Sanborn did so without providing the business name. On the application, he listed ‘miscellaneous services’ as his business activity.
The former senator says he conducted due diligence before sending in the application. Like so many other businesses, he applied to help with operational challenges created by the pandemic. Other officials in New Hampshire are troubled by the news and feel that Laurie Sanborn, the former senator’s wife, should be removed from a commission that studies charitable gaming laws.
It will be interesting to see how this case evolves and what the investigation will find regarding illegal behavior. Will the former senator be found guilty?
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