BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Peter Gerace Jr., the owner of Pharaoh's Gentlemen's Club, was found guilty on eight of the nine counts against him Friday following a high-profile trial that lasted nearly two months.
The most serious charges against Gerace included conspiracies to commit sex and drug trafficking, and maintaining a drug-involved business at his club. The count he was found not guilty on related to witness tapering.
Prosecutors painted the Cheektowaga strip club owner as a “sexual predator” who groomed vulnerable exotic dancers with free drugs to coerce them into commercial sex acts with influential patrons with deep pockets.
Gerace's attorneys argued the government relied on conjecture and dubious testimony from former dancers and jail inmates, most of whom they said had something to gain by cooperating with authorities.
"Peter Gerace preyed on the most vulnerable victims, using them to grow his business and his profits,” said U.S. Attorney Trini Ross. “Peter Gerace did not want to be 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.”
Gerace did not react much when the verdict was read in court. He turned to his parents, nodded, smiled, and left. His attorneys declined comment outside of court. Sentencing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on August 15.
Jurors heard from more than 40 witnesses over nearly a two-month period, including Gerace's ex-wife and over a dozen former exotic dancers who gave graphic testimony of their drug addictions, their interactions with Gerace and customers, and what really happened in Pharaoh's VIP rooms. Their deliberations took less than a week.
“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,” said 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 to 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."
Former employees testified that it was common to see dancers and wealthy patrons in VIP rooms engaged in sex acts. They also said the club was often full of drug dealing and drug use.
Dancers testified Gerace peddled drugs to them in an upstairs room referred to as his "lair" with the intention of getting them addicted. Once addicted, they said he gained more control by dangling those drugs to coerce them to engage in commercial sex acts with wealthy patrons, his friends, or even himself.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
