Federal Court Charges Target Keene Businessman Over Misuse of COVID Relief Funds

Court documents indicate that rather than using the funds appropriately, he directed $255,232.72 towards personal purchases, such as a 2006 Porsche Cayman.

Former state senator and commercial property owner in downtown Keene, Andy Sanborn, faces federal charges for allegedly misappropriating over $255,000 intended for COVID-19 relief. The allegations include spending these funds on personal expenses after securing an $844,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) for his casino enterprise, Win Win Win, which operated the Concord Casino.

U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announced the charges, stating that Sanborn misapplied the relief money, which was meant solely for business operational costs. Court documents indicate that rather than using the funds appropriately, he directed $255,232.72 towards personal purchases, such as a 2006 Porsche Cayman acquired for $48,750 in January 2022.

This case adds to the continuing scrutiny surrounding Sanborn's activities regarding pandemic assistance. He had previously faced accusations from state regulators regarding his handling of COVID-19 relief aid. In 2023, state authorities sought to revoke his gaming license and compel the sale of Concord Casino, asserting that he had obtained federal relief funds through fraudulent means. State prosecutors have also charged him with theft by deception concerning the state's Main Street Relief Fund program, claiming he received more aid than he was eligible for.

Sanborn's commercial property at 82 Main St. in Keene, which includes various restaurants, retail stores, and service-based businesses, is currently on the market for about $2.55 million. The property, a key downtown location near the Colonial Theatre, recently gained attention when a malfunctioning sprinkler caused flooding that disrupted operations for multiple tenants, leading to complaints about water damage and lost business due to power outages.

Authorities investigating the federal case include the FBI, the IRS Criminal Investigation division, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The prosecution is led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Chen. Sanborn has been charged through a criminal information in U.S. District Court, with a plea hearing anticipated in the next few weeks.