Keene Property Owner and Former Senator Admits Misusing Federal Pandemic Relief Funds

Sanborn, 64, whose legal name is Anthony Sanborn, pleaded guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Concord to one count of theft of government funds. U.S. District Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled sentencing for Oct. 15.

According to federal prosecutors, Sanborn received an $844,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) through the U.S. Small Business Administration for his company, Win Win Win, which operated Concord Casino. As part of the loan application, he certified that the money would be used only as working capital for the business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead, prosecutors said Sanborn diverted $255,232.72 of the loan proceeds for personal use. Among the expenditures cited by investigators was the purchase of a 2006 Porsche Cayman for $48,750 in January 2022.

U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan said the conviction reflects the government’s commitment to prosecuting those who abuse taxpayer-funded relief programs.

Federal investigators from the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service also emphasized that pandemic assistance programs were created to help struggling businesses, not to finance personal purchases.

The federal case follows years of scrutiny surrounding Sanborn’s handling of pandemic relief funds. In 2023, New Hampshire gaming regulators moved to revoke his gaming license and force the sale of Concord Casino after concluding he had improperly obtained federal COVID-19 relief money. State prosecutors also charged him with theft by deception, alleging he fraudulently obtained more money than his business qualified for through New Hampshire’s Main Street Relief Fund program.

The case has drawn local attention in Keene because Sanborn owns the commercial building at 82 Main St., a prominent downtown property occupied by several restaurants, retailers and other businesses.

The building made headlines in May after a failed sprinkler head flooded an electrical room, knocking out power and gas service for multiple tenants for several days. Businesses including Kilkenny Pub, Madame Sherri’s, Local Burger, The Perch, Kurama Omakase, Red House Irons and J Alexis Braiding Studio were forced to close temporarily while repairs were completed.

Sanborn faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the financial gain or loss associated with the offense. The final sentence will be determined by the court after considering federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case was investigated by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.

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