Cheektowaga Man Charged With Trafficking Dancers from Pharoah's Gentleman's Club for Sex, Drugs
A Cheektowaga man has been charged with attempted sex trafficking and drug possession following a federal investigation, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
Darryl Lamont Paul, also known as Darryl Lamont, 59, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempted sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, as well as possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, with a maximum potential sentence of life.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Higgins, Paul has owned NoLimit Entertainment (NLE) for the past 25 years. The company provides entertainment services, including nude dancers and topless bartenders, for private events. Prosecutors allege that Paul maintained a business relationship with the owner of Pharoah’s Gentleman’s Club, with both parties sharing employees. Paul reportedly recruited young women from Pharoah’s to work for NLE and referred individuals back to the club for additional employment.
Court documents outline allegations from a 19-year-old woman who claimed she was invited to Paul’s residence in July 2024 to audition for NLE. During the audition, Paul allegedly instructed her to undress completely for an inspection. He later invited her to observe a stag party where dancers engaged in sexual activity.
The complaint further states that Paul arranged for the woman to audition at a local strip club before taking her to his apartment for "training." While there, she alleges that he pressured her to use cocaine and alcohol and that she observed a significant quantity of the drug in his possession. She also claims he suggested she could earn substantial income working for him and made comments indicating he knew personal details about her family, which she interpreted as an attempt to intimidate her.
Additionally, the woman alleges that Paul had her sign a nondisclosure agreement preventing her from discussing what occurred at his residence or during NLE events. When she later expressed discomfort and declined to continue working for NLE, she claims Paul threatened that she would not be allowed to work at the strip club if she refused.
Paul made his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and is being held pending a detention hearing scheduled for March 18.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, conducted the investigation.
Authorities emphasize that the charges against Paul are allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.