Unraveling the Saga of Concord Casino: Andy Sanborn’s Legal Tangle

In the quaint state of New Hampshire, the Concord Casino stands as a curious entity—not a sprawling Las Vegas-style resort but rather a modest establishment nestled within a sports bar. However, the narrative surrounding its owner, Andy Sanborn, has taken a dramatic turn, replete with legal troubles that have captivated the state and beyond. Recently hit with a new fraud charge, Sanborn’s legal saga paints a striking picture of deception, mismanagement, and the uncertain future of his casino.

The Latest Developments: Fraud and Misrepresentation

On October 16, 2023, Sanborn, a former state senator, was arrested for theft by deception, a charge that stems from his application for pandemic relief funds back in 2020. It is alleged that he misrepresented the casino’s gross receipts by approximately $1 million, resulting in an unwarranted increase in his grant allowance amounting to $188,474. If found guilty, Sanborn could face a severe prison sentence ranging from 7.5 to 15 years. This arrest adds a new layer to ongoing concerns surrounding his financial practices and governance of the casino.

This charge is not an isolated incident; it is part of a broader investigation initiated by New Hampshire’s state attorney general, John Formella, in August 2023. Allegations from that ongoing inquiry suggest that Sanborn misappropriated $844,000 in Covid relief funds primarily intended to support struggling businesses. Instead of using the money responsibly, he reportedly indulged in personal purchases, including three luxury sports cars—a Ferrari and two Porsches—including a lavish gift for his wife, state representative Laurie Sanborn. Further, Sanborn exited with money labeled as back rent for the casino, despite its ineligibility for the funds under state law due to its classification as a gaming venue.

The Impact of Legal Troubles on the Casino

The repercussions of this debacle have been seen across the operation of the Concord Casino. Following the initial investigation, Sanborn was mandated by the state in December 2022 to shut down the casino and prepare for its sale. The state sought to revoke his gaming licence altogether. While the original judge, Michael King, denied that motion, the directive to sell by June 30, 2023, loomed heavily. An extension was granted, allowing until September 30 for a potential sale, with Judge Gregory Albert later providing an ambiguous "pseudo-extension" that effectively prolonged the timeline by an additional 50 days.

As of now, Sanborn’s team appears to have identified a potential buyer, and the state lottery has completed its suitability review of that buyer. However, the timeline for moving forward remains uncertain. If the buyer does not meet the state’s criteria, the casino’s licence could face suspension for up to two years, effectively rendering the establishment worthless as a gaming entity.

Contention Between the State and Sanborn

The situation has escalated, creating a contentious standoff between Sanborn’s legal team and the state. In recent filings, both sides have challenged each other’s positions vigorously. Senior assistant attorney general Jessica King has voiced concerns about the ambiguity of Albert’s ruling, which seems to imply the revocation of Sanborn’s licence. Conversely, Sanborn’s legal representatives have sought a rehearing, arguing that had the state provided certainty regarding the buyer’s eligibility, they would have embraced the opportunity to responsibly conclude this convoluted saga.

“The clock is ticking,” they asserted, emphasizing the urgency of clarity surrounding the transaction. With two parties entangled in a web of accusations and counterclaims, the timeline for selling the casino hangs in precarious balance.

The Future of Concord Casino

As Sanborn finds himself entangled in these legal woes, the future of the Concord Casino remains uncertain. A new felony charge complicates matters further—according to state law, individuals convicted of a felony are barred from holding a gaming licence for a decade. Although Sanborn’s intention is to transfer the licence to a new entity, the question arises as to whether potential liabilities associated with his legal troubles might affect the buyer’s prospects as well.

The unfolding drama surrounding Andy Sanborn and Concord Casino serves as a reminder of the complexities and vulnerabilities inherent in the world of gaming and business, especially during tumultuous economic times. Current developments and implications of legal charges continue to cast doubt over what was once a community-focused establishment, leaving residents and stakeholders questioning not only the future of the casino but the integrity of local governance itself.

As the saga evolves, all eyes will be on how the legal proceedings unfold and what fate has in store for Concord Casino amidst the storm of controversy.