The Concord Casino Saga: A Small Casino’s Big Troubles
New Hampshire’s Concord Casino, relatively modest in scale and ambition, is at the center of a tumultuous saga that blends ambition, legal missteps, and dramatic repercussions. Owned by former state senator Andy Sanborn, the story of this small establishment has taken a sharp turn as recent legal troubles, including a fraud charge, threaten its existence.
A New Charge for Misrepresentation
On October 16, 2023, Andy Sanborn was arrested on allegations of theft by deception, marking yet another chapter in the ongoing legal saga surrounding Concord Casino. Prosecutors assert that while applying for COVID relief funds in 2020, Sanborn significantly misrepresented the casino’s gross receipts, allegedly inflating the figures by around $1 million. This manipulation resulted in an inflated grant allowance of $188,474, which, if proven true, could lead to a prison sentence of 7.5 to 15 years.
This latest charge is not Sanborn’s only brush with the law; it is the third legal challenge he faces, unfolding alongside an ongoing investigation initiated by New Hampshire’s Attorney General, John Formella, last August. Sanborn is under scrutiny for misappropriating approximately $844,000 in COVID funds, funds he allegedly used to purchase luxury items, including three sports cars—a luxurious Ferrari and two Porsches. Notably, the Ferrari was a gift to his wife, state representative Laurie Sanborn. In a questionable use of funds, he also reimbursed himself for back rent related to the casino, which operates within a sports bar.
The Impact of Legal Troubles on a Small Casino
The implications of these charges are multi-faceted. The investigation into Sanborn’s handling of COVID relief funds could lead to severe consequences, not only for him personally but also for Concord Casino. Under state laws, casinos are ineligible for these relief funds, and the allegations that Sanborn misrepresented his business operations raise serious questions regarding the future of the casino itself. Although no charges have yet been filed in the original investigation, Sanborn’s ongoing legal disputes cast a long shadow over the casino’s prospects.
Forced Sale: The Result of Continuous Scrutiny
Sanborn’s legal troubles reached a tipping point last December when he was ordered to shutter and sell Concord Casino in response to the first fraud investigation. The state sought to revoke his gaming license entirely, although an initial ruling allowed for a sale deadline of June 30, 2023. When Sanborn failed to meet this deadline, a new judge, Gregory Albert, granted an extension, leading to continued speculation about the casino’s future. An additional “pseudo-extension” has since been acknowledged, effectively elongating the sale process further.
With reports indicating that Sanborn has apparently found a buyer, the state’s suitability review remains ongoing. The process, however, is fraught with uncertainty. If the buyer fails to pass the suitability review, the casino’s license could be suspended for two years, rendering the business nearly valueless.
Legal Maneuvering and Tensions Escalate
As the legal process drags on, tensions have boiled over between Sanborn’s legal team and the state. Both parties have filed grievances against Judge Albert’s ruling, which has created a contentious atmosphere steeped in accusations of intentional delays and malfeasance.
Senior Assistant Attorney General Jessica King argues that the proceedings’ lack of clarity has led the state to interpret Sanborn’s license as revoked. Meanwhile, Sanborn’s attorneys are seeking a rehearing on the matter, emphasizing that a definitive timeline from the Attorney General’s Office could have facilitated a smoother resolution.
A Compounding Challenge: The Latest Fraud Charge
Sanborn’s recent theft by deception charge complicates the scenario further. According to state law, individuals convicted of a felony may not hold a gaming license for a decade. This raises pivotal questions: what happens to the casino license as the sale progresses? If a new entity takes over, would the potential liabilities stemming from Sanborn’s conviction transfer? The murky waters of legal interpretation add layers of complexity to an already intricate situation.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for the Concord Casino?
The saga of Concord Casino exemplifies how the intertwining of ambition, legal missteps, and regulatory scrutiny can impact even a modest operation. As Andy Sanborn grapples with serious allegations and the potential of losing his business, the future of Concord Casino hangs in the balance. The ongoing revelations—from the initial fraud investigation to the recent charges—suggest that the community’s eyes will remain firmly fixed on Concord, as this small casino’s fate unfolds in the court of law. Whether justice prevails or whether Sanborn can navigate the legal quagmire remains a question that only time will answer.
