(WNY News Now) – A federal jury has convicted Peter Gerace, owner of Pharaoh’s Gentlemen’s Club, of multiple charges, including bribery, sex trafficking conspiracy, and drug distribution, facing a potential life sentence.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Peter Gerace, 57, of Clarence, NY, was convicted by a federal jury on December 27, 2024, on multiple charges including bribery, conspiracy to defraud the U.S., sex trafficking conspiracy, and narcotics offenses. Gerace, who owned Pharaoh’s Gentlemen’s Club, faces a maximum sentence of life in prison for his involvement in a widespread criminal operation spanning over a decade.
U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced the verdict, noting that between 2005 and 2019, Gerace conspired with DEA special agent Joseph Bongiovanni to pay bribes, securing protection for his illegal activities. Bongiovanni, who was also convicted, used his position to prevent law enforcement from investigating Gerace’s criminal activities at the club.
In addition to the bribery scheme, Gerace maintained Pharaoh’s as a drug-involved premises from 2006 through 2019. Alongside other conspirators, he distributed cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and Adderall at the club, where vulnerable women were coerced into engaging in sex acts. Gerace also used intimidation tactics, including threatening witnesses via social media, to suppress testimony during legal proceedings.
“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, 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 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 investigation, which led to Gerace’s conviction, was a collaboration between HSI, the FBI, and the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General.
Gerace is scheduled for sentencing on August 15, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., before Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
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