A jury found Chicago contractor Elizabeth Perino guilty of four counts of fraud for allowing two other major contractors to use her company as a "pass-through" in order to meet minority goals on city work, according to CBS Chicago.
Prosecutors said that Perino's certified women's business enterprise, Perdel Contracting, was supposed to receive 18% of labor costs and other fees totaling $365,000 as part of a $200 million public works project. Anthony Capello, one of the contractors allegedly using her "sham" company to meet minority requirements, has a similar case pending against him for allegedly setting up a shell company in his wife's name to help win contracts at O’Hare Airport.
Perino’s lawyers allege that Capello set Perino up to work with prosecutors to lighten his own sentence.
Related Stories
Contractors | Oct 24, 2018
How seasoned construction pros handle the cost of scaling up
Here’s how seasoned operators meet the new demand for homes, offices and new locations without drowning in new expenses.
Contractors | Oct 2, 2018
Nonresidential spending reaches new high in August
Total nonresidential spending stood at $762.7 billion in August, an increase of 8.4% compared to one year ago.
Contractors | Oct 2, 2018
Katerra adds a Denver-area GC to its growing stable
Bristlecone Construction brings self-performing expertise in concrete and framing.
Architects | Sep 14, 2018
We’ve entered the golden age of brain science. What does it mean for AEC firms?
New research from the SMPS Foundation explores the known principles and most recent research surrounding the human brain and behavioral science. The goal: to discover connections between the science and the AEC business.
Contractors | Sep 5, 2018
Lean, tech, talent training highlight contractor innovations
From 5D estimating tools to interactive punch lists, the nation’s largest construction and construction management firms continue to push technology to gain an edge.
Modular Building | Aug 6, 2018
More contractors are turning to offsite production for speed and quality
Skender launches an advanced manufacturing division. Katerra ups its bet on modular. Prefabrication comes to the rescue on multiple projects.
Architects | Aug 1, 2018
Client experience as competitive advantage for AEC firms
Clients are looking for solutions to their business problems from collaborative advisors. They’ve come to expect a higher level of service and detail than what was provided in the past.
Codes and Standards | Jul 31, 2018
Workers allegedly held in captivity by construction subcontractor in San Jose pay theft case
Contractor pays $250,000 in back wages in Dept. of Labor enforcement action.
Building Team | Jul 30, 2018
Construction tech is the new investment darling for VC funds
In the first half of 2018, venture capital firms invested $1.05 billion in global construction tech startups, setting a record high.
Modular Building | Jul 23, 2018
Offsite construction: Why it’s important for the survival of your firm
The industry is approaching its “heart attack moment,” with so many large projects that are chronically late, over budget, and unprofitable, writes FMI Capital Advisors’ Michael Swistun.