CONCORD, N.H. — A former state senator from New Hampshire has been charged with stealing state pandemic relief funds after being previously accused of fraudulently obtaining federal COVID-19 loans and using the proceeds to purchase luxury vehicles.
Republican Andy Sanborn, from Bedford, is facing a felony charge of theft by deception, which carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison, the attorney general’s office announced on Wednesday. Prosecutors allege that Sanborn provided false information regarding the revenue generated by his business, Concord Casino, allowing him to secure an excess of $188,000 from the state’s “Main Street Relief Fund” in 2020.
This most recent charge follows a 13-month investigation in which state authorities accused Sanborn of fraudulently obtaining close to $900,000 from the federal Small Business Administration between 2021 and 2022, with over $260,000 reportedly spent on race cars. Sanborn had reportedly failed to disclose his casino’s name in his loan application, instead describing his business activity as “miscellaneous services,” which rendered him ineligible for those loans geared towards businesses that do not include casinos or charitable gaming establishments.
While federal authorities have been made aware of his actions, they have yet to bring any charges against him. However, the seriousness of the allegations prompted state officials to shut down the Concord Casino in December and demand that Sanborn sell it. Sanborn has since filed a lawsuit against the attorney general’s office, claiming that the state is obstructing potential sales of the casino.
In a statement released Wednesday, Sanborn’s legal team described his arrest as “an eleventh hour attempt to sabotage a sale,” expressing disappointment yet predictability concerning the situation. “We are disappointed but not surprised,” they noted through attorney Mark Knights, emphasizing their belief that the New Hampshire judiciary would act justly and hold the attorney general accountable for their actions.
Sanborn served four terms in the New Hampshire state Senate prior to his unsuccessful bid for a congressional seat in 2018.