BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Reporters will have to jump through hoops to get a jail interview with Peter Gerace, the convicted owner of Pharaoh's Gentlemen's Club. U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence Vilardo ruled Thursday that reporters must follow the policy of the U.S. Marshals Service, which requi res five approvals, including from the office that prosecuted Gerace. A jury convicted Gerace in December of eight charges, including drug and sex trafficking. He declined to testify at his trial, and his defense team chose not to call any witnesses. However, Gerace later requested jailhouse interviews with WIVB News 4 and two other media outlets while incarcerated in Chautauqua County Jail. Court records state jail management was prepared to allow interviews absent a court order, which prompted the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of New York to request a gag order on Gerace. The chief concern was that Gerace could violate a protective order by discussing sensitive details of his case. Acting U.S. Attorney Joel L. Violanti said in a court filing that he would have an FBI agent present for jailhouse interviews if the judge denied their request. He argued that the presence of an FBI agent would allow the government to seek contempt charges if Gerace violated the protective order. Gerace's attorneys argued a permanent gag order would be an "unwarranted restraint" on his right to free speech. However, they, too, said reporters should follow the U.S. Marshals policy. The U.S. Marshals policy specifically requires reporters to get permission from the U.S. Attorney, the judge, Gerace, his defense attorneys, and jail management. "If the five permissions are obtained, the U.S. Marshals make a final determination, in which we consider security concerns, operational factors, etc.," Vilardo said in his order. Gerace's sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 15. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Latest Local News Heart bringing ‘triumphant’ return tour to KBC: Nancy Wilson interview Federal rules control jail interviews with convicted strip club owner Sana’a Cafe on Hertel shut down by city after 1 year in business Death in Jamestown originally determined to be overdose ruled a homicide Lackawanna man admits to distributing child pornography Dan Telvock is an award-winning investigative producer and reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2018. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. ...read more read less