Former Casino Owner to Plead Guilty in Covid Aid Fraud Case

(AsiaGameHub) –   A years-long case takes a dramatic turn: Andy Sanborn, former New Hampshire state senator and casino owner, has agreed to plead guilty to charges related to the improper use of COVID-19 relief funds.

He Confesses to Misconduct 

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

Prosecutors stated that this misuse of funds violated the terms of the Small Business Administration’s relief program, which was 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.

Maximum 10-Year Prison Term and Fines Up to $250,000

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, Laurie Sanborn—a former New Hampshire House member 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 

Previously released documents from the New Hampshire Lottery Commission claim the funds were used to purchase two Porsches and a Ferrari linked to his wife, along with tens of thousands of dollars in vehicle services, engineering expenses for a construction project tied to Sanborn’s casino, 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 related to another pandemic relief program. Prosecutors allege he inflated business revenue figures to obtain an additional $188,000 in state assistance. Federal officials said the case is now being handled by the National Fraud Enforcement Division, a recently created agency focused on investigating misuse of federal benefit programs.