Richard Kowalczyk, owner of Southern Nights Orlando and Tampa, and his partner, Eric Patrick, were indicted by the United States District Court Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division.
The indictment from a federal grand jury was filed Jan. 2 and charges Kowalczyck with conspiracy to entice a minor, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, two counts of receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Patrick has been charged with coercion and enticement of a minor and distribution of child pornography.
“They both very clearly engaged in predatory deviant sexual behavior towards minors,” the indictment reads, as reported by Watermark. “Their behavior went on for years, demonstrating their acts as intentional.”
The indictment says Kowalczyk participated in conversations on private messaging platform Telegram that go back as far as 2019. The “graphic exchanges” found on Kowalczyk’s phone during the investigation reportedly included images and videos featuring minors suspected to be as young as 7 years old.
Kowalczyk co-owns Southern Nights, as well as District Dive and Stiffy’s in Orlando. Southern Nights has long been known for its weekly themed events, drag and burlesque shows, and for offering a safe space for LGBTQ+ community members in Orlando’s nightlife scene, and the three venues employ dozens of local workers.
The Southern Nights and District Dive teams shared the following message with Orlando Weekly:
“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 his 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.”
Kowalczyk and Patrick were taken into custody Jan. 2, according to arrest warrants. A trial has been set for March. If they are convicted, the charges will be punishable by a minimum sentence of 10 years and maximum sentence of life in prison. The pair are maintaining innocence, Watermark says.
This story and its headline have been updated to include a statement from the Southern Nights team and reflect Kowalczyk’s stepping down as owner.
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This article appears in Jan 8-14, 2025.
