Co-owner of Orlando's LGBTQ nightclub Southern Nights indicted on federal child porn charges: Court filings | FOX 35 Orlando

Co-owner of Orlando's LGBTQ nightclub Southern Nights indicted on federal child porn charges: Court filings

The co-owner of Southern Nights and other LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs in Orlando and Tampa, and his partner, have been indicted on multiple federal charges including possession and distribution of child pornography and conspiracy to entice a minor, according to court records.

Richard Kowalczyk, 44, who is listed as co-owner of Southern Knights, according to media reports, and his domestic partner, Eric Patrick, 52, were both arrested on Jan. 2, following a grand jury indictment.

Through an attorney, both have denied the allegations.

Who are they?

What we know:

Kowalczyk co-owns Southern Nights and other clubs in Orlando and Tampa, according to the indictment. Patrick reportedly works as a teacher, though the indictment does not specify the school district. It does note, citing law enforcement, that Patrick was a teacher in 2024. It's unclear if or when his employment ended.

What are the charges?

What we know:

Richard Kowalczyk was charged with conspiracy to entice a minor, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

Eric Patrick was charged with conspiracy to entice a minor, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, and distribution of child pornography. 

The backstory:

According to the indictment, investigators found years of graphic text messages and messages sent via social media apps – Telegram and Grindr – between Kowalczyk, Patrick, and/or others regarding apparent sexual encounters or fantasies about sex with "young" boys.

Detectives also found photos and videos of apparent child abuse sex material, depicting young boys – at least one believed to be between four and eight – and older, according to the indictment.

The indictment said some conversations dated as far back as 2020 and continued into 2022, and most recently as 2023.

Detectives seized multiple cell phones and a computer as part of the investigation, where additional evidence was found, according to the indictment.

‘Predatory deviant sexual behavior towards minors’

What they're saying:

"They both very clearly engaged in predatory deviant sexual behavior towards minors. Their behavior went on for years, demonstrating their acts as intentional," Prosecutors said in a motion for detainment related to the indictment.

FOX 35 reached out to listed attorneys for both men, but did not immediately hear back.

According to other media reports, attorneys said the two men denied the allegations and planned to defend themselves in court.

‘Always strived to be a safe space’

What they're saying:

Southern Nights posted on its Facebook page that the club and neighboring bars have "always strived to be a safe space." 

"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," the post reads.

The post also states that Kowalczyk maintains that he is innocent and has "transferred ownership" of the club and "will step aside from all responsibilities."

The post was met with mixed reactions. 

"Transferring ownership is not going to fix this," replied Gary C Riggs Jr. "Your reputation has been tarnished. Best of luck coming back from this. Also, this is a sorry excuse of a statement."

"Pray for the victims," wrote Yasuri Yamileth. "This s--- doesn’t represent our community."

"Let’s please not forget all of our friends, who are bartenders, servers, staff, DJs, dancers and entertainers who work at these establishments," Will Williamson wrote. "This is their lively hood [sic] and they had absolutely no idea of what was going on, and beyond their control. We have to find a way to support all of them during this time."

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The Source: This story was written based on information contained in a court document filed with the U.S. District Court Middle District Court Orlando Division and the Florida Department of State's Division of Corporations. 

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