Prosecution: Scheme Fueled by Greed
In contrast, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole C. Cassidy told the jury that both men acted out of mutual self-interest, not innocence. According to Cassidy, Perlstein was under financial pressure and needed to maintain Arrow as a client, while Vergato was allegedly dissatisfied with his salary and saw an opportunity to earn extra money.
Cassidy said Vergato’s consulting firm billed Datavail for nearly 480 hours of non-existent work each month, ultimately funneling $800,000 to Vergato, which he allegedly used for personal expenses, investments, and even a new vehicle.
To obscure his involvement, Vergato allegedly used his stepdaughter’s name — who does not share his last name — on emails and contracts. Cassidy said the stepdaughter will testify that Vergato asked for her permission to use her name for a business venture without telling her about the nature of the operation.
“This was a calculated scheme,” Cassidy told the jury. “Perlstein needed Arrow, and Vergato wanted more money.”
