Judge Gregory Albert ruled that granting Sanborn additional time to complete the sale would benefit public schools and charities
A New Hampshire judge has given former state Senator Andy Sanborn more time to sell his Concord Casino throwing him a lifeline as he faces legal troubles and close watch from regulators.
Sanborn’s Casino Sale Extension Sparks Debate Over Accountability
Judge Gregory Albert decided that letting Sanborn have extra time to finish the sale would help public schools and charities that get money from the casino even though the state was not happy about it, reported the New Hampshire Bulletin.
The state had put Sanborn’s gaming license on hold after claims that he spent $844,000 in federal COVID-19 aid money on fancy things for himself, like expensive sports cars. If Sanborn cannot sell by the state’s cutoff date of September 30, the casino will lose its license for two years making the business pretty much worthless.
Despite the state’s argument that extending Sanborn’s deadline would benefit him, Judge Albert viewed the extension as essential. He stressed that Sanborn, who owns the casino has the right to the money from the sale and that its reopening under new management would keep generating funds for good causes. In the previous year, close to 30 charities got about $170,000 from the casino before it shut down.
Sanborn’s Legal Team Applauds Judge’s Decision
Sanborn’s lawyers, Zachary Hafer and Adam Katz, asked for a straightforward deadline extension, but Judge Albert said he did not have the power to give one. Instead, he put his ruling on hold letting Sanborn try for a rehearing. If either side asks to rehear the case in the next 15 work days, the pause could last up to 50 days giving Sanborn extra time to finish the sale.
The New Hampshire Lottery Commission oversees the approval process for the new buyer’s gaming license suitability. They said their background check on the buyer might finish by September 30, but they made no promises. Would-be buyers have shown caution because they worry about taking on the legal problems linked to Sanborn’s ownership.
The potential legal issues come from claims that Sanborn misused federal COVID-19 loans. The Attorney General’s office says he spent about $182,000 on high-end cars, including a Ferrari he gave to his wife, state Rep. Laurie Sanborn. Even with these allegations, no one has filed formal charges yet.
Judge Albert’s decision adds to earlier rulings by the court. In the previous year, another administrative judge, Michael King, suspended Sanborn’s license but gave him time to sell the business. Albert’s latest ruling might extend the sale deadline to mid-November as the legal case continues.
Sanborn’s lawyers stay hopeful about finishing the sale. They thanked the court for the extra time to close the deal.
