A veteran detective from the Amherst Police Department, Detective Gregory Trotter, has been arrested and charged with a federal crime in connection with indictments in Buffalo mafia cases. Trotter, who has served on the force for 24 years, has been accused of making false statements to authorities about his relationship with Peter Gerace, Jr., the owner of Pharaoh’s Gentleman’s Club in Cheektowaga. Gerace, Jr. was previously indicted for allegedly paying bribes to a former federal agent and is facing various charges including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
According to the criminal complaint filed in United States District Court, Gerace, Jr. has significant contacts within law enforcement at federal, state, and local levels, as well as with members of the judiciary. The FBI investigation revealed that Gerace had improper relationships with certain law enforcement officers, including Trotter.
During an interview with the FBI on September 30, 2022, Trotter made false statements to minimize his connection with Gerace. Trotter claimed that his last interaction with Gerace was in January 2017, but evidence shows that they had been in communication as recently as 2019, including arranging social encounters. Phone records indicate consistent communications between Trotter and Gerace from December 2018 to April 2019.
The investigation into Trotter’s relationship with Gerace came to light after Gerace filed a police report in March 2019 regarding a stolen watch. The unnamed person accused of stealing the watch was subsequently arrested, but it was determined that this person had information relevant to federal agents. After speaking with the federal agents, the person was assaulted by Jessica Leyland, a former employee of Pharaoh’s Gentleman’s Club and a loyal friend of Gerace, who has since been charged with witness tampering.
Trotter appeared in federal court on Tuesday and was released without detention. However, he was ordered to surrender his guns and passport. Amherst police have suspended Trotter from duty with pay, although the duration of his suspension remains unclear.
In light of this arrest, it is important to note that Trotter has been a respected member of the Amherst Police Department for many years. In 2016, Trotter was honored for his service as a School Resource Officer at Sweet Home schools, where he played a vital role in promoting a safe learning environment for students.
Trotter is scheduled to appear in court again on December 20. The investigation into his alleged false statements and his connection to Gerace will continue as federal authorities seek to uncover any potential misconduct within law enforcement.
