Former State Senator Ordered to Divest Ownership Following Misuse of Federal COVID Relief Funds

By John Isaac,
Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac is an editor with many years of experience in the gambling industry. He writes expert articles on card games like blackjack and poker. In addition, he is also well aware of the US gambling laws and the Indian and Dutch gambling markets. You can rely on verified information and insightful details.

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Last updated: January 8, 2024

In a dramatic move, New Hampshire state officials ordered the sale of Andy Sanborn’s Concord Casino amid claims of fraud and misappropriation of federal COVID relief monies. Additionally, under new management, the nonprofit casino must halt operations for a minimum of six months.

Former state senator Andy Sanborn and his spouse, state representative Laurie Sanborn, are facing serious repercussions as a result of the state Department of Safety’s directive to divest Concord Casino. Sanborn’s license might be suspended for at least six months, and lost for a period of two years if the property is not sold. The pair is accused of applying for and misusing federal COVID relief loans, which led to the ruling.

Clear False Information: Ruling Highlights Alleged Misrepresentations in Loan Application

The Department of Safety hearing officer Michael King’s decision makes reference to “clear false and/or misleading information” in the loan application, but it does not explicitly declare the activities to be fraudulent. The Sanborns are not qualified for COVID relief since they are alleged to have concealed ownership of the casino and spent a portion of the $844K loan for personal use on expensive cars.

In a noteworthy event, state authorities have ordered the involuntary sale due to charges of fraud involving federal COVID relief monies. The philanthropic casino, linked to the misappropriation of aid money for private benefit, must close for a minimum of half a year under new management.

Fraud Allegations Trigger Sale Mandate

According to the state Department of Safety’s decision, which Michael King, the hearing officer, made public, Andy Sanborn must give up ownership of Concord Casino. The ruling follows accusations that federal COVID relief loans were overused and unlawfully applied for by Sanborn and his spouse, Laurie Sanborn. The pair is charged with using money for personal extravagances including a Ferrari and two Porsche race cars while hiding their ownership of a casino from the lender on their loan application.

There are significant consequences for Sanborn. He risks having his license suspended for two years if he is unable to sell Concord Casino. The license will, at the very least, be dormant under the new ownership for half a year. The severity of the accusations and the requirement for prompt action in the face of possible financial misconduct are highlighted by the state’s strict attitude.

Clear Misinformation Unveiled

The verdict highlights the existence of “clear false and/or misleading information” in the loan application, even though it refrains from calling the acts fraudulent. The disclosure clarifies the Sanborns’ purported attempts to influence the system for their own benefit by leaving out important information that disqualified them from COVID relief loans.

Sanborn has fifteen days from the date of the ruling to file a request with the New Hampshire Lottery Commission to contest the decision. But the owner, who is receiving medical attention right now, has not shown up for recent license-related processes.

The Lottery Commission’s comprehension of relief fund utilization was questioned by Sanborn’s attorney, Mark Knights, during a hearing in December. He rejected the government’s claims as the result of a “incomplete and, frankly, sloppy investigation”. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing legal struggle over the ownership of the casino and allegations of financial mismanagement.

The future of The Concord Casino, which is located within The Draft Sports Bar and Grill in Concord, is still unknown because it depends on how possible legal challenges turn out and how the sale process plays out. The decision serves as a clear reminder of what happens to anybody who is found to have broken any rules pertaining to the use of monies intended for pandemic relief.