Prefacing this: I am not a QAnon'er.
The Indictment: https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nywd.135098/gov.uscourts.nywd.135098.89.0.pdf
Previously in this case: Several counts here were in the press off of Bongiovanni's initial indictment, the indictment (already producing a conviction) of Michael Massechia, as well as a warrant raid on Pharaoh's Gentleman's Club.
As asserted by the government, Michael Massechia dealt drugs out of Pharaoh's. It is asserted that Gerace let Massechia use the club to sell drugs, and Massechia paid Bongiovanni to shield him. And finally, when an overdose happened at the club (potentially implicating both Massechia and Gerace), Bongiovanni helped cover it up.
New stuff: Feds assert in their current indictment that Bongiovanni received up to $250,000 to keep the ruse going. This number is higher than I remember in previous accounts. It also mentions Massecchia as the man who paid him.
But never mentioned previously AFAIK, Count 9 of this indictment is "Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking." The government asserts this took place from 2009 through 2018.
Finally, bombshell: While it is not explicit in the indictment text, the citation of laws covering the underlying acts to the conspiracy include references to trafficking of children.
Tthis is how the PACER system states the charges on the docket.
Notice: Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking of Children by Force, Fraud, or Coercion
And adding further credence to the possibility a minor was involved, there is a sealed filing made according to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 49.1, Privacy Protection For Filings Made with the Court --typically used to protect witnesses who were underage.
Altogether, I believe that while it may be possible that the PACER classification of the offense is mistaken and Gerace is being prosecuted for "mere" sex trafficking in relation to his strip club --which is bad enough-- a good amount of evidence here points to a government accusation of Gerace working in some as-yet unstated capacity to abuse children.
Folks, it really might be time to retire your #BillsMafia merch.
Gerace is a very interesting prospect to watch. In 2018 he gained the starting role of Center as a Freshman. Even more impressive than that was that he switched positions for Defensive Lineman to Center; and later being switch to Guard and Tackle.
The Black Bear's Center received high praise from his coaches. They acknowledged his willingness to learn his new position and to mentally prepare to make the audible adjustments that are needed to play Center. His teammates and coaches also have found a great deal of respect for his leadership and mentality to always give 100% on everything he does.
Just a player that could rise up draft boards once teams get the know who he is.
Anybody else going on the trip to Gerace, Italy for the archaeological expedition? If so, what made you decide to sign up?
