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

BEDFORD – Former Republican State Sen. Andy Sanborn agreed to plead guilty, on May 26, 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 owned Concord Casino at the time, 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 chose 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 State Rep. Laurie Sanborn (R-Merrimack). 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 suspended for six months and he was ordered to sell the casino.

During his eight years in the Senate, Sanborn represented District 7 from 2010 to 2012 and District 9 from 2012 to 2018.

Under federal law, Sanborn could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.