Bernard Byrd III

to kill Pharaoh's witness SHARE THIS EDITOR'S PICK TOPICAL New indictment targets those who prosecutors say had motive to kill Pharaoh's witness Patrick Lakamp Jan 9, 2024 9 Pharaoh's (copy) Pharaoh’s in Cheektowaga. Buffalo News file photo Facebook Twitter Email PrintCopy article link Save Patrick Lakamp A28-count superseding indictment unsealed Tuesday names six people – including Pharaoh’s Gentlemen’s Club owner Peter Gerace Jr. and Outlaws Motorcycle Club national leader John Ermin – as part of a conspiracy to obstruct justice by targeting a federal witness for retaliation. The overdose death last summer of that witness, Crystal Quinn, ratcheted up the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office investigation in what had already been an intense criminal case against Gerace on sex- and drug-trafficking and bribery charges. And that investigation led to the new indictment. Three others named in the indictment face other charges – but not the obstruction count. People are also reading… Pittsburgh Steelers arrive for Monday's playoff game against Buffalo Bills What to expect in the next 36 hours: 'One more day' of heavy lake-effect snow Jim Nantz reflects on a Buffalo Bills journey that is as amazing as Tony Romo's prediction Bills fans go off on famed Pittsburgh sandwich shop Primanti Bros. after now-deleted tweet The new federal grand jury indictment spells out allegations of witness tampering, retaliation, kidnapping, narcotics and firearms charges. Simon Gogolack, who called 911 to report Quinn had died in his Wellsville home, faces 17 counts – the most of any other person named in the indictment. Simon Gogolack (copy) Prosecutors say Simon Gogolack was sending text messages expressing an interest in becoming a hit man around the time he called 911 to report that Crystal Quinn had died in his home. Courtesy of Niagara County Sheriff’s Office In addition to obstruction, witness tampering and retaliation charges, he faces distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. He’s the only defendant in the indictment to face that charge. On July 31 or Aug. 1, Gogolack intentionally gave Quinn fentanyl, which resulted in her death, according to the grand jury charge. Prosecutors have said she was found to have 400 times a lethal dose of the potent opioid drug. Assistant Federal Public Defender Jeffrey T. Bagley, who represents Gogolack, could not be reached for comment Tuesday, but he has previously discounted the prosecutors’ assertions about Gogolack. “He eagerly awaits his day in court where he can properly defend himself,” Bagley told The News on Friday. “The reality is far simpler and less interesting: Simon had known Crystal Quinn since high school and is deeply saddened by his friend’s death.” Others named in the indictment are: Gerace on obstruction, tampering and retaliation counts. Ermin, the Pharaoh’s manager and national president of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, on obstruction, tampering, retaliation and firearms counts. Michael Roncone, who was the president of the Rare Breed Motorcycle Club Wellsville Chapter and is associated with the Outlaws, on obstruction, making a false statement and firearms counts. Frank Knight, a Wellsville resident linked to Roncone and Gogolack, on obstruction and false statements counts. Howard Hinkle Jr., a Wellsville resident associated with Roncone, on obstruction, tampering, retaliation, marijuana, drug-involved premises and firearms counts. Cortnie Barber on kidnapping and narcotics conspiracy counts. Bernard Byrd III on a narcotics conspiracy count. Scott Barnes, who lived at the Outlaws’ Northumberland clubhouse and has been described by prosecutors as a national enforcer for the Outlaws, on firearms charges.