Amherst Police Detective Pleads Guilty to Obstructing FBI Investigation

Gregory Trotter admitted to impeding an agent's questioning about a 2019 Rolex theft case.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Gregory Trotter, a 51-year-old former Amherst Police detective, has pleaded guilty to impeding an FBI investigation. Trotter was questioned by an FBI agent in September 2022 about his contact with Peter Gerace, the owner of a gentlemen's club, during a 2019 investigation into the alleged theft of a Rolex watch. Trotter falsely denied having any contact with Gerace, and his emotional and animated reaction was found to have intentionally obstructed the agent's duties.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of law enforcement officers maintaining integrity and cooperating fully with federal investigations. Trotter's actions as a trained police officer undermine public trust in the justice system and raise concerns about potential corruption or conflicts of interest.

The details

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, in September 2022 an FBI agent arranged to meet with Trotter to question him about his involvement in a 2019 investigation into the alleged theft of a Rolex watch belonging to Peter Gerace. Trotter was asked multiple times whether Gerace had reached out to him during the investigation, and he falsely said no. Trotter's "disproportionate emotion and physical animation" were found to have intentionally impeded the agent's duties.

  • In September 2022, an FBI agent questioned Trotter about his contact with Gerace during a 2019 investigation.
  • In December 2024, a jury convicted Gerace of various federal charges including bribery and sex trafficking conspiracy.

The players

Gregory Trotter

A 51-year-old former Amherst Police detective who pleaded guilty to impeding an FBI investigation.

Peter Gerace

The owner of the former Pharaoh's Gentleman's Club in Cheektowaga, who was convicted in 2024 of federal charges including bribery and sex trafficking conspiracy.

FBI Special Agent

The agent who questioned Trotter in September 2022 about his contact with Gerace during a 2019 investigation.

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What’s next

Trotter is scheduled to be sentenced on May 22. The charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $100,000 fine.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of police integrity and the need for law enforcement officers to fully cooperate with federal investigations. Trotter's actions as a trained police officer undermine public trust and raise concerns about potential corruption within the justice system.