Former Republican State Sen. Andy Sanborn has pled guilty to unlawfully receiving $844,000 in COVID-19 relief funding. Courtesy photo/New Hampshire Attorney General's Office 

CONCORD – Former Republican State Sen. Andy Sanborn pled guilty, on July 7, to theft of government funds in connection with the $844,000 that he unlawfully received from the U.S. Small Business Administration in COVID-19 relief funding.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, Sanborn, who formerly owned Concord Casino, received the money in 2020 by misrepresenting the casino’s gross receipts by approximately $1 million.

Since casinos and charitable gaming organizations did not qualify for COVID-19 relief, Sanborn did not include the business name on the funding application. Rather, he wrote “miscellaneous services” in its place.

After receiving the money, Sanborn spent $181,000 on two Porsches and $80,000 on a Ferrari for his wife, former Republican State Rep. Laurie Sanborn. In addition, he used another $183,000 to pay expenses on properties he owns in Concord.

Concord Casino was shut down by the state Lottery Commission in December 2023. Sanborn’s charitable gaming license was also suspended for six months and he was ordered to sell the casino.

“Today’s conviction was the result of incredible work done by a dedicated team of agents,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “We and our law enforcement partners will continue to diligently investigate those who target federal benefits programs.”

Sanborn now faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 15.