Pharaoh’s Owner Convicted On Bribery, Sex Trafficking & Witness Tampering

Sunday, December 29, 2024, 9:55 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

BUFFALO, NY.- A 57-year-old Clarence, New York Strip Club owner, learned on Friday that he is facing life in federal prison after a federal jury convicted him on multiple criminal counts, including sex trafficking, bribery, and narcotics distribution.

     According to U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, on Friday, December 27, 2024, the jury found Peter Gerace, 57, of Clarence, New York, guilty of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States; Bribery; Sex Trafficking; Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises; Narcotics Conspiracy; Witness Tampering; and Distribution of Cocaine. 

Gerace Faces Up To Life In Federal Prison

     Following the jury’s return of its findings of guilt, U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo accepted the verdicts and scheduled sentencing for August 15, 2025. At that time, Gerace faces up to life in federal prison. Judge Vilardo will determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offenses and Gerace’s prior criminal history.

Evidence Presented At Trial

     According to evidence presented at trial, between 2005 and 2019, Gerace, the owner and operator of Pharaoh’s Gentlemen’s Club in Cheektowaga, New York, conspired to defraud the United States and paid cash bribes to Drug Enforcement Administration special agent Joseph Bongiovanni. In exchange for the payments, Bongiovanni protected Gerace and used his position to dissuade other members of law enforcement from conducting investigations into Gerace’s criminal activities at Pharaoh’s. Bongiovanni was previously convicted at trial and is awaiting sentencing.

     In addition, between 2006 and lasting through 2019, Gerace knowingly maintained Pharaoh’s Gentleman’s Club as a drug-involved Premises, where he and others distributed quantities of cocaine, Adderall, marijuana, and heroin. Gerace and others distributed controlled substances and used other methods to coerce Pharaoh’s dancers to engage in sex acts inside the club. Gerace also, acting with others, sent threatening Facebook messages to a witness in order to prevent her from testifying and providing information in an official proceeding.

     “Peter Gerace preyed on the most vulnerable victims, using them to grow his business and his profits,” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “Peter Gerace did not want to get caught and have his crimes exposed. However, this investigative and prosecutorial team worked tirelessly, gathering the evidence, and connecting the dots and Peter Gerace now stands convicted of some of the most heinous crimes.”

     “This case showcased the reality of trafficking in Western New York and across the country. It revealed the interplay between drugs, human trafficking, how powerful men, like Peter Gerace, used victims’ drug addictions to coerce them into acts of commercial sex for pure profit,” stated Matthew Miraglia, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “Today’s verdict is a win for victims of human trafficking and hope for those who don’t have a voice. The FBI remains committed to eradicating human trafficking and providing victims with resources. We encourage any victim to come forward. Call 1-800-CALL-FBI or report online at tips.fbi.gov.”