U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross Announces Conviction of Peter Gerace
U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced that a federal jury has convicted Peter Gerace, 57, of Clarence, NY, of conspiracy to defraud the United States, bribery, sex trafficking conspiracy, maintaining a drug-involved premises, narcotics conspiracy, witness tampering, and distribution of cocaine, which carry a maximum of life in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph M. Trini, Nicholas T. Cooper, and Casey L. Chalbeck stated that between 2005 and 2019, Gerace, owner and operator of Pharaoh's Gentlemen's Club, conspired to defraud the United States and paid cash bribes to Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) special agent Joseph Bongiovanni. In exchange for these payments, Bongiovanni protected Gerace and used his position to dissuade other members of law enforcement from investigating Gerace’s activities at Pharaoh’s. Bongiovanni has previously been convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
Between 2006 and 2019, Gerace knowingly maintained Pharaoh’s Gentlemen's Club as a drug-involved premises, where he and others distributed cocaine, Adderall, marijuana, and heroin. Additionally, Gerace and others used coercive methods to force Pharaoh’s dancers into sex acts inside the club. Gerace also sent threatening Facebook messages to a witness, attempting 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 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.”
“This case showcased the reality of trafficking in Western New York and across the country. It revealed the interplay between drugs, human trafficking, and 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. “This verdict is a win for victims of human trafficking and provides 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. Call 1-800-CALL-FBI or report online at tips.fbi.gov.”
“With his conviction, Peter Gerace must face the reality that he is not above the law, nor can he escape its consequences. Homeland Security Investigations, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, is committed to safeguarding the vulnerable from those who use bribery, manipulation, and fear for their own personal gain,” said HSI Buffalo Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. “The welfare of the public is our highest priority, and HSI Buffalo will take every necessary measure to protect the safety and wellbeing of Western New Yorkers.”
“Today, a jury found that Gerace was guilty of engaging in drug and sex trafficking, preying on vulnerable victims. He also paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to corrupt Drug Enforcement Administration special agent Joseph Bongiovanni in an attempt to skirt the law and avoid accountability,” said Ryan T. Geach, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Northeast Region. “I would like to thank the jury for their time and careful consideration of the facts.”
The verdict follows an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; and the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special-Agent-In-Charge Ryan T. Geach, Northeast Region.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 15, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo, who presided over the trial of the case.