Former wedding photographer held briefly for violating probation

Former wedding photographer held briefly for violating probation

BRENTWOOD — A former Salem photography studio owner turned herself in to authorities yesterday after a warrant was issued for her arrest.

Darlene Perrotta, sought by authorities for a week, surrendered following a hearing in Rockingham Superior Court, according to the state attorney general's office.

Perrotta and her ex-husband, Michael Perrotta, are the former owners of Forever in Time photography studio. They pleaded guilty in February 2011 to accepting money from 227 newlywed couples without providing their wedding photographs.

The Atkinson couple was spared from spending time behind bars when they agreed to provide DVDs of wedding photos or negatives to the couples within 45 days and pay $436,788 in restitution.

The Perrottas are no longer together, but are still jointly responsible for making sure the money is refunded, Senior Assistant Attorney General James Boffetti said.

Michael Perrotta has cooperated, but Darlene Perrotta has not, Boffetti said. Most of the couple's clients are still waiting for their money, he said.

The arrest warrant for Darlene Perrotta was issued when she failed to appear for a probation violation hearing May 31, Boffetti said.

Boffetti was waiting for yesterday's 9 a.m. scheduling conference with Judge Marguerite Wageling to begin when Darlene Perrotta arrived at the courthouse.

"She has just walked in the door and will be arrested," he said.

Darlene Perrotta was to be taken into custody after the scheduling conference, Boffetti said.

Attorneys in the case met with the judge to discuss pending civil lawsuits, including one filed by the state Consumer Protection Bureau.

Darlene Perrotta was arraigned and held on $500 cash or surety bail, according to Senior Assistant Attorney General Connie Stratton.

She was bailed out early yesterday afternoon, assistant jail superintendent John Blomeke said.

She is scheduled to return to court July 12 for a probation violation hearing, Stratton said.

Darlene Perrotta is represented by public defender Debra Dupont, who has said she can't comment on the case. She was formerly represented by attorney Paul Pappas, who withdrew as her lawyer, Boffetti said.

Michael Perrotta also appeared in court with his attorney, David Horan.

The Perrottas had each received one-year suspended jail sentences. They were granted reprieves by Judge John Lewis twice last year after their attorneys and Stratton said they were cooperating.

At that time, the Perrottas had provided DVDs to all but one of the couples, Stratton said

The Perrottas were able to avoid jail time so they could continue working and provide restitution.

To help pay their debts, the Perrottas were ordered to forfeit the more than $150,000 they received from selling their home.

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