Mistrial declared in case of Amherst Police detective accused of lying to federal agents

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A mistrial was declared Monday in the case of Gregory Trotter, the Amherst Police detective accused of lying to federal agents about his relationship with convicted strip club owner Peter Gerace.

The mistrial was declared after the jurors could not come to a unanimous decision.

Trotter is accused of being dishonest about his relationship with Gerace, who was convicted of eight charges, including drug and sex trafficking, in December 2024. He faces a maximum of life in prison, but is challenging the conviction.

Prosecutors said Trotter lied about the relationship during a September 2022 interview with the FBI. Trotter allegedly said that his communication with Gerace has ceased long before the Cheektowaga club was raided by authorities in December 2019. Trotter allegedly said he stopped communications in January 2017, but according to the investigation, they allegedly continued speaking after that. Trotter was arrested in December 2023.

Federal Judge Lawrence Vilardo is presiding over the case. A status conference for a potential new trial has been set for Oct. 22.

The club announced on social media Monday that it has closed after more than two decades in business. However, one of the other owners, Linda Gerace, said the closure is temporary and the club will re-open under new management and a new name. The club’s liquor license expired in August.