(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, N.Y. — Joseph Barsuk, 67, of Batavia, NY, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced. The charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caitlin M. Higgins and Louis A. Testani, Barsuk met the victim in 2015 at Pharaoh’s Gentlemen’s Club, where it was known among staff and patrons that she struggled with cocaine and heroin addiction. Investigators say Barsuk exploited her dependency by renting her an apartment, providing a vehicle, and giving her money for drugs in exchange for sexual contact.
Prosecutors allege that when the victim experienced withdrawal symptoms, Barsuk coerced her into sexual acts before obtaining drugs for her. Between 2015 and 2016, he repeatedly drove her to buy heroin and cocaine, and conspired with club employees—sometimes paying them—to facilitate these encounters.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, led by Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.
Barsuk is scheduled for sentencing on December 23, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
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