New Hampshire’s Concord Casino Charged For Alleged Theft
The company that runs New Hampshire’s embattled Concord Casino is now facing a charge following a state investigation.
Win Win Win was charged with theft by deception and theft by unauthorized taking, New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella revealed on Friday.
Earlier this month, casino owner Andy Sanborn was arrested for the same counts. He’s scheduled to appear in Merrimack County Superior Court on Tuesday.
The casino allegedly inflated losses and wound up improperly receiving $188,474 more than it should have from state funds, according to New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR). In addition, casino documents gave the wrong date of when it began in business, the report added.
If the casino is convicted, it could lead to the charitable gaming property being unable to receive a license for a decade, according to NHPR. That possibility could hurt any sale of the casino to a new buyer, the report added.
Trying To Block Sale?
Zachary Hafer, an attorney representing Sanborn, accused the state of attempting to block the casino’s sale.
“Given that Win Win Win is a single-member LLC whose single member is Mr. Sanborn, the Attorney General cannot (and does not) allege that Win Win Win took any action distinct from Mr. Sanborn,” Hafer told NHPR.
“There is thus only one reason to charge Win Win Win: to attempt to block a sale of Win Win Win that would benefit taxpayers, charities, and the local community. This is a deeply concerning development and we look forward to holding the AG accountable in court.”
The unnamed likely casino buyer reportedly has applied for a license to operate the gaming property.
Prior Inquiry
In a previous investigation, the attorney general’s office alleged that Sanborn failed to disclose that his business was a casino when applying for pandemic relief. Casinos were not eligible for the approximately $844,000 in loans that Sanborn received as COVID relief.
Sanborn used some of the federal money on two Porsches and a Ferrari. The Ferrari was for his wife, Laurie Sanborn, a state representative, authorities said.
No charges were filed for that investigation. But the New Hampshire Lottery Commission suspended the gaming license and the business was ordered to close.
State officials have told Andy Sanborn to sell the Concord Casino. He has requested extensions to complete the sale.
Sanborn is also currently attempting to open a second casino in Concord. Plans call for a 43K-square-foot gaming property.
The proposed casino was challenged in court by local resident Kassey Cameron, who claimed the project violated local zoning regulations and that it was improperly approved. That case is being heard by the New Hampshire Supreme Court.