by NickleCity » Mon Oct 28, 2024 4:08 am
Bongiovanni trials give glimpse into federal case against strip club owner Gerace
From the Complete coverage: The case of Peter Gerace Jr. series
Patrick Lakamp
Prosecutors said the aura of Mafia connections could be seen as stronger in Gerace’s case than Bongiovanni’s.
“Because here we also have a sex-trafficking conspiracy charged that alleges force, fraud and coercion,” Tripi said. “And Gerace’s family reputation, true or not, is highly relevant to his ability to exert control and influence over the employees and dancers at Pharaoh’s who engage in commercial sex acts. There’s going to be testimony that he’s made reference and alluded to his being in the Mafia.”
Even if untrue, “if that’s what he’s putting out there, fear sounds a lot like coercion,” Tripi said.
Foti, the defense lawyer, countered that “the jury’s going to be looking at the person at the defense counsel table saying we’re hearing from multiple sources that he’s apparently a member of the Mafia, and there is no way that doesn’t have an impact on him.”
Vilardo said he will not allow testimony alleging Gerace is involved in Italian organized crime, but will allow testimony about what Gerace has said himself about any connections and Bongiovanni’s understanding of it.
For the whole article see:
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/crim ... -top-storyBongiovanni trials give glimpse into federal case against strip club owner Gerace
From the Complete coverage: The case of Peter Gerace Jr. series
Patrick Lakamp
Prosecutors said the aura of Mafia connections could be seen as stronger in Gerace’s case than Bongiovanni’s.
“Because here we also have a sex-trafficking conspiracy charged that alleges force, fraud and coercion,” Tripi said. “And Gerace’s family reputation, true or not, is highly relevant to his ability to exert control and influence over the employees and dancers at Pharaoh’s who engage in commercial sex acts. There’s going to be testimony that he’s made reference and alluded to his being in the Mafia.”
Even if untrue, “if that’s what he’s putting out there, fear sounds a lot like coercion,” Tripi said.
Foti, the defense lawyer, countered that “the jury’s going to be looking at the person at the defense counsel table saying we’re hearing from multiple sources that he’s apparently a member of the Mafia, and there is no way that doesn’t have an impact on him.”
Vilardo said he will not allow testimony alleging Gerace is involved in Italian organized crime, but will allow testimony about what Gerace has said himself about any connections and Bongiovanni’s understanding of it.
For the whole article see: https://buffalonews.com/news/local/crime-courts/peter-gerace-jr-pharaohs-strip-club-federal-trial/article_113f5d8e-9231-11ef-965f-2be230a1f52c.html#tracking-source=home-top-story