BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Former Cheektowaga strip club owner Peter Gerace Jr. has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison on drug and sex trafficking charges.
In December 2024, a jury found Gerace Jr., the owner of Pharaoh’s Gentleman’s Club in Cheektowaga, guilty on eight of nine counts brought against him. The jury convicted Gerace of conspiracy to defraud the United States, bribery, sex trafficking conspiracy, maintaining a drug-involved premises, narcotics conspiracy, witness tampering and distribution of cocaine. Jurors acquitted him of one charge of witness tampering.
Prosecutors said that between 2005 and 2019, Gerace conspired to defraud the U.S. and paid cash bribes to Drug Enforcement Administration special agent Joseph Bongiovanni. In exchange, Bongiovanni protected Gerace and used his position to prevent other members of law enforcement from conducting investigations into Gerace’s activities at Pharaoh’s.
In addition, prosecutors said that between 2006 and 2019, Gerace and others distributed cocaine, Adderall, marijuana, and heroin from Pharaoh’s. Officials said Gerace and others distributed the controlled substances and used other methods to coerce Pharaoh’s dancers to engage in sex acts.
“The conduct Peter Gerace engaged in had a horrendous impact on the victims and negatively impacted the community. My office will continue pursue individuals who engage in such conduct and hold them accountable.”
“Today’s sentencing of Peter Gerace sends a clear message that individuals who exploit vulnerable people for profit will be held accountable. This case exposed the devastating impact of drug trafficking, public corruption, and human trafficking within Western New York. To those who have been exploited or trafficked: your life matters, and your voice matters. The FBI encourages victims and survivors to come forward, as we have dedicated professionals and resources available to provide support. Call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.”
“Today’s sentence closes a dark chapter in which this defendant treated people as commodities and tried to bend the justice system to his will. No amount of money, influence, or intimidation could shield Peter Gerace from accountability. HSI Buffalo and our partners will continue to stand with victims, follow the evidence, and dismantle criminal networks that profit from exploitation in our community.”
