BUFFALO, N.Y. — Jurors heard additional testimony Thursday at the drug and sex trafficking trial of Pharaoh's strip club owner Peter Gerace from witnesses called by the government, whose testimony appeared to be aimed at helping to bolster its allegations that Gerace operated Pharaoh's as "drug-induced-premises."
Cherylanne Bebilacqua was a night shift manager at Pharaoh's for about two years between 2011 and 2013, where she says there were rules against both drug use and touching between patrons and dancers.
However, when asked if the rules were enforced she testified, "absolutely not."
When Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Cooper further asked, "were there times when your ability to enforce the rules were undermined?" Bebilacqua replied, "absolutely."
According to Bebilacqua, cocaine use among some dancers inside the dressing room at Pharaoh's was so prevalent at the time that "it looked like a snow globe in there."
But when she brought concerns to upper management, Bebilacqua claims she was told not to worry or that it was not her concern.
She described seeing sex acts between patrons and dancers during lap dances within the VIP rooms, dankly lit areas of the club, and opining, "frankly, some of these girls you wouldn't want to see in the daylight."
Bebilacqua claimed upper management of the club would look the other way, explaining that the more that was allowed to go on, the more money the dancers, and ultimately the club, could make.
In addition, she indicated that bouncers who were supposed to curtail certain types of contact between dancers and customers might be inclined to allow activities because they received a potion of the dancer's tips.
And while she testified that dancers were on occasion were fired for violating the rules, they'd be back soon enough if they among "Peter's favorites," referring to club owner Peter Gerace.
"It led me to believe nothing I said mattered," she said.
During his cross examination, defense attorney Mark Foti focused in on differences between what Bebilacqua originally told police she witnessed and her testimony in court Thursday.
He also brought out testimony that could portray Bebilacqua as a disgruntled ex-employee in the minds of jurors, who is still dissatisfied about her experiences at the club and the circumstances surrounding the way her employment ended.
"Did you ever ever convey to law enforcement that you were excited to help put Mr. Gerace away?" Foti asked.
"Why wouldn't I be?" she replied.
The trial resumes on Monday.