ORLANDO, Fla. – A Central Florida nightclub owner has been indicted on several charges related to child pornography, according to court records released this month.
Court records show that the owner — identified as Richard Kowalczyk — was arrested alongside his romantic partner, Eric Patrick, who had “strong ties to Michigan” and worked as a teacher.
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The Florida Division of Corporations lists a “Richard Kowalczyk” as the manager of the popular Southern Nights nightclub along Bumby Avenue in Orlando, though no confirmation has been released about whether he is the same person.
Regardless, investigators said they had discovered conversations with Kowalczyk in which he discussed “hands-on sexual encounters with minors” and received child pornography.
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As a result, law enforcement seized Kowalczyk’s cell phone while he was at an Orlando airport in 2023, and searched Kowalczyk’s home in Central Florida, where he and Patrick lived together, court records reveal.
A search of Kowalczyk’s electronic devices yielded a multitude of images and videos of “child exploitation,” including images of children under 12 years old, a court motion states.
During an interview at the time of the search, Kowalczyk admitted to receiving child pornography, detectives announced.
Investigators also said they discovered conversations between Kowalczyk and Patrick stemming back to 2019 in which they discussed their intent to “engage in sexual acts” with children.
“They also discuss the age of the minors they seek to engage in sexual acts with, consistently using the term ‘young,’ discussing the age of consent, and how to look for ‘young’ sexual partners on the Grindr application. For example, on Dec. 29, 2019, Patrick asked Kowalczyk through SMS messaging, ‘do you ever find young boys on Grindr? Wondering if there’s some by resorts.’
Kowalczyk responded, ‘always.’
In June 2020, Kowalczyk and Patrick agreed to travel to Key West. Accordingly, Kowalczyk booked the trip, packed their bags, and traveled to Key West from the Middle District of Florida. They discussed their plan to seek out minors and engage in sex acts on the trip.”
United States of America v. Richard Kowalczyk and Eric Patrick, "Motion for Pretrial Detention"
According to investigators, Kowalczyk had found an underage teen on Grindr while in Key West and instructed Patrick on how to “entice” the boy to engage in sexual activity, such as sending sexual images and talking “dirty” to him.
“Critically, Kowalczyk and Patrick succeeded in enticing (the boy) to produce child pornography in order to satisfy their own sexual deviant interest in children,” the motion reads. “Their conversations repeatedly revolved around the sexual exploitation of minors.”
Court records show that Kowalczyk and Patrick were indicted last month on the following charges stemming as far back as 2020:
- Kowalczyk: Attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity; distribution of child pornography; two counts of receipt of child pornography; and possession of child pornography
- Patrick: Attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity; receipt of child pornography; and distribution of child pornography
Southern Nights posted a statement on Facebook regarding the allegations:
Southern Nights & District Dive has always strived to be a safe space for everyone. Being an LGBTQ+ nightclub, we are constantly standing in the face of adversity. We have fought hard for our reputation and for our community. The allegations that have recently come to light are not ones we take lightly, and absolutely do not condone. Our businesses have no involvement in these allegations. While he maintains his innocence, Richard Kowalczyk has transferred ownership and will step aside from all responsibilities. We are committed to continuing to maintain our locations as the place they have always been: a place of community and a safe place where people can go and enjoy themselves.
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