Rep. Laurie Sanborn, a Republican lawmaker who owns a casino in Concord, has resigned from her position as the chairperson of a commission tasked with reviewing the state’s charitable gaming industry. Her resignation came in the wake of a criminal investigation launched against her and her husband, former state Sen. Andy Sanborn. The investigation stems from allegations that Andy Sanborn fraudulently obtained COVID-19 relief aid and used it to purchase luxury cars for himself and his wife.
House Speaker Sherm Packard expressed support for Laurie Sanborn’s decision to step down, ensuring that the commission could focus on its work without distractions.
Andy Sanborn, who strongly disputes the commission’s findings, stated that he applied for federal relief to address operational challenges resulting from the pandemic and believes his actions were transparent and lawful. The investigation alleges that he fraudulently obtained $844,000 in Small Business Administration funding, using $181,000 for two Porsche race cars and $80,000 for a Ferrari for his wife, among other expenditures. Both Laurie and Andy Sanborn have refrained from commenting on the matter. A R epubli can lawmaker res igns as chai rman of the G ambling Study Commi t tee amid a c r iminal inves t igat ion.
SOURCE: US NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1 2023
