New Hampshire casino owner under investigation for allegedly misusing COVID-19 funds
The owner of the New Hampshire Charity Casino and the developer of a planned second casino could be permanently banned from owning gaming properties in the state.
Former state Sen. Andy Sanborn, who lives in Bedford, N.H., is now the subject of a state and federal investigation, according to Attorney General John M. Formella. May result in prosecution and administrative action.
This follows accusations this week that he fraudulently obtained $844,000 in COVID-19 relief funds and used some of the funds to buy three luxury sports cars and other personal expenses.
Formella revealed on Thursday that Sanborn received an $844,000 federal COVID-relief loan because he made false statements on his application and omitted mention of the casino in the document. Casinos are not eligible for these loans, the Concord Monitor reported.
Big Donor
Sanborn also used some of the funds to purchase three race cars, including two Porsche 987 Cayman S race cars for his personal use and a Ferrari F430 Challenge Racer as a gift for his wife, the investigation said. His wife is New Hampshire Rep. Laurie Sanborn (R.)
He also allegedly spent $45,500 in Small Business Administration relief funds on vehicle parts and services, various cash distributions, and $28,800 on engineering and geotechnical costs for the proposed casino, Patch reported.
The attorney general's charges could lead to the New Hampshire Lottery Commission revoking the license of Andy Sanborn's Concord Casino. It's located at The Draft Sports Bar and Grill in Concord.
He's also trying to open a second 450,000-square-foot nonprofit casino elsewhere in Concord. The property received approval from the city's Planning Commission in June.
NEW ALLEGATIONS
Concord spokesperson Stefanie Breton told the Monitor that news of the new charges prompted local officials to evaluate "the impact of the Attorney General's decision on the Planning Commission's decision." The new charges will also result from an investigation by New Hampshire U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young.
The attorney general's office uncovered the alleged misconduct during a routine investigation. The attorney general's office reviews the details of nonprofit casino owners every five years, The Associated Press reported.
This case highlights the importance of law enforcement in stopping illegal activity from entering New Hampshire’s nonprofit gaming industry,” Formella said in a statement.
“Our commitment to protecting the public requires that we take action against any individual found to have used regulated casinos to fraudulently enrich themselves with taxpayer funds.”
Sanborn defends action
But Andy Sanborn said in a statement to Patch that, among other things,
Throughout the entire process, we performed due diligence to ensure compliance with all application requirements and standards. Although I strongly disagree with the committee's statement, I welcome the forthcoming review as I have every confidence that our actions have been transparent and fully compliant with the law. "
Sanborn has 10 days to appeal the alleged misconduct.
Andy Sanborn and Laurie Sanborn have run the Concord Casino since 2018. Their proposed second casino has resulted in lawsuits filed by residents opposed to the project.
Charity Game Twist
In another twist, New Hampshire House Speaker Pro Tempore Laurie Sanborn was recently appointed chairman of a 13-member committee to consider changes to nonprofit gambling laws.
House Democratic leader Rep. Matt Wilhelm, D-Manchester, wants to remove her from office, Patch reported, adding that the allegations are "deeply troubling."
“Given the serious allegations in the Attorney General’s report, removing Rep. Sanborn from positions directly related to nonprofit gaming is the only way to maintain public confidence in the oversight of taxpayer dollars.”
“I have asked Speaker Packard to take the necessary action to end Rep. Sanborn’s involvement in the regulation of nonprofit gaming,” William said.
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Source: www.casino.org
