The Legal Battle Over Andy Sanborn’s Casino License: A Closer Look
The legal drama surrounding Andy Sanborn and the Concord Casino has intensified, with the New Hampshire Lottery Commission seeking court clarification on the controversial revocation of Sanborn’s casino license. This moment marks an intriguing chapter in the ongoing saga involving accusations of misuse of COVID-19 relief funds and the impacts on the casino’s potential sale.
Background of the Conflict
Andy Sanborn’s troubles began when an investigation revealed that he misappropriated approximately $844,000 in COVID-19 relief funds intended for small businesses. Instead of supporting his casino during the pandemic, Sanborn allegedly funneled this money towards personal expenses, including the purchase of a luxurious Ferrari for his wife, State Representative Laurie Sanborn. This prompted significant backlash, leading to the state’s decision to force the sale of the Concord Casino.
Sanborn’s legal team has argued that the Lottery Commission’s actions, claiming the license was revoked as of October 1, contradict a recent court ruling by Judge Gregory Albert. Albert had denied Sanborn’s request to extend the deadline for selling the casino but also left the door open for a potential rehearing, a move that adds complexity to the case.
The Claim of Legal Ambiguity
Sanborn’s attorneys contest the Commission’s assertion that the license has been formally revoked. According to them, the Judge’s ruling did not unequivocally affirm this revocation, which suggests that the timeline could be subject to extension. In a bid to clarify the situation further, they have sought a partial rehearing.
Zachary Hafer, one of Sanborn’s attorneys, voiced their position stating, “The state is free to disagree with that ruling, but the state is not free to defy it.” This highlights a critical underlying theme in this legal battle: the interpretation of judicial rulings and their implications for the parties involved.
Allegations of Deliberate Delays
Sanborn’s legal representatives have gone beyond disagreements about timelines; they have accused the New Hampshire Lottery Commission and the Attorney General’s Office of deliberately stalling the approval of a proposed buyer for the Concord Casino. They argue that this delay is a tactic to obstruct the sale entirely.
In a court filing, Sanborn’s team stated, “Rather than approve the buyer and put this case to rest, the state has dropped any pretense and made clear it intends to do what it can to delay and block a sale.” Their claims suggest a broader narrative of confrontation between the state authorities and Sanborn’s interests, raising questions about motives and transparency in the regulatory processes surrounding gambling licenses.
Valuation Concerns and Future Implications
The stakes are high for Sanborn, as Judge Albert noted that enforcing the license revocation by the October 1 deadline would significantly diminish the Concord Casino’s value, rendering it "virtually worthless." This is primarily due to the gaming license being its most valuable asset. Sanborn’s team argues that maintaining this license through a sale is crucial for a smoother transition to any new ownership, contributing to a healthy business continuation.
Should the case progress to higher courts, it has the potential to escalate to the New Hampshire Supreme Court, potentially setting important precedents regarding casino licensing and regulatory oversight.
The Ongoing Investigation and Buyer Concerns
The legal entanglements are compounded by the ongoing criminal investigation into Sanborn’s alleged misuse of funds. This shadow over the sale has deterred potential buyers, causing further complications in the property transaction. Concerns remain about the implications of the ongoing investigation on any future operations under new ownership.
Sanborn’s legal team continues to assert that the state’s actions are undermining the sale process. They contend that recognition of the problems associated with the investigation should not hamper fair and timely treatment of the casino sale.
Conclusion: A Legal Maze Ahead
As the New Hampshire Lottery Commission seeks the court’s insights to navigate this complex issue, the fate of Andy Sanborn’s casino hangs in a delicate balance. The intricacies of legal interpretations, the allegations of procedural delays, and the broader implications for the Concord Casino’s future are key factors that will shape the outcome of this legal battle. With significant money, authority, and interests at stake, the resolution of this case may not only affect Sanborn but could also have lasting ramifications on the broader gambling landscape in New Hampshire.
