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HellToupee

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Popular Orlando nightclub owner indicted on sex charges, some involving kids under 12

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Averi KremposkyORLANDO, Fla. —

The now former owner of a popular nightclub in Orlando is facing federal charges after an indictment says he and another defendant were sexually involved with teenagers — including multiple charges related to child pornography.

Richard Kowalczyk, owner of the LGBTQ+ nightclub on Bumby Avenue called Southern Nights, and Eric Patrick were both indicted on multiple charges, according to federal court documents obtained by WESH 2.

On Monday night, Southern Nights and District Dive released a statement on Facebook saying that Kowalczyk had transferred his ownership and stepped down from all responsibilities.

Records filed by the United States District Court Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division in January 2025 show that the alleged behavior has been going on since 2019.

The indictment traces years of SMS communication between Kowalczyk and Patrick where officials say the two discussed their desire to have "sexual relations with teenage boys," their desire to "find new teenage boys with whom to have sexual relations" and frequently shared "sexual images" back and forth of the people they met on online dating sites.

According to court records, some of these individuals were under 18.

The indictment references text conversation between the two defendants where they discuss how to find young boys online and "by resorts." Months later, in July 2020, officials say the two agreed to travel to Key West and booked a trip.

During this same time, records indicate the two defendants met a 15-year-old and distributed sexual images of the minor back and forth, as well as the teen's contact information.

In February 2021, officials allege the two defendants again shared photos of the teen victim and "expressed their continued desire to meet with Victim 1 for sex and share images with each other of Victim 1's social media accounts," the indictment reads.

Later in the indictment, officials reference acts of receiving and possessing child pornography that span from 2022 to 2023. 

In one count, the indictment says Kowalczyk possessed pornographic material "and the depiction involved a prepubescent minor who had not attained 12 years of age."

Kowalczyk is facing charges of conspiracy to entice a minor, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. 

Southern Nights and District Dive provided WESH with the following statement: 

"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." 

The statement continued: "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." 

Patrick is facing charges of conspiracy to entice a minor, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and distribution of child pornography.

An attorney for the two, Fritz J. Scheller, gave the following statement: 

"Mr. Kowalzcyk and Mr. Patrick have pled not guilty and continue to maintain their innocence. They trust in the legal system to prove them right."

The defendants' next court date, in federal court, is next month.

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Drag + teacher 🌈 🦄     This story has all the tropes

 

The owner of a thriving Tampa Bay drag bar (pictured) and his partner are facing “extremely serious” allegations of child sexual exploitation (Google Maps)

 

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday

 

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The former owner of a thriving Tampa Bay drag and LGBTQ bar and his partner are facing “extremely serious” allegations of child sexual exploitation and child pornography charges, according to federal court documents seen by The Independent.

Richard Kowalczyk, 44, who until recently owned the well-known LGBTQ hangout Southern Nights, and his romantic partner Eric Patrick, 31, a teacher, were arrested earlier this month after being accused of accessing pornography involving boys from as young as six years old to prepubescent teenagers.

The pair are both facing charges of conspiracy to entice a minor, attempted coercion, and the enticement of a minor.

Kowalczyk is charged with an additional two counts for “receipt” and “possession” of child pornography while Patrick is charged with distribution of child pornography, as per the federal criminal complaint. Patrick’s lawyer told Fox Tampa Bay that his client is maintaining his innocence and is looking forward to defending himself in court.

 

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1 minute ago, Tree of Knowledge said:

One of my favorites from back in the day.  

I figured that was your type of joint. Are you upset that the owners are cretins?

Nevermind, you voted for Trump. Character is not your measuring stick.

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This is why bars, night clubs, alcohol and all drugs should be eliminated, and Catholic Church’s.   Also the reason why pedero alcohol, porn watchers don’t want God involved in children’s life.  Muslim, Buddhist, Mormon, atheist, catholic all of them want kids to not know the Word of God.  Shame   

Zechariah 8:21.  And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts, I will go also.  Indeed Amen Thanks 

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1 hour ago, weepaws said:

This is why bars, night clubs, alcohol and all drugs should be eliminated, and Catholic Church’s.

:lol:

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1 hour ago, Fnord said:

I figured that was your type of joint. Are you upset that the owners are cretins?

Nevermind, you voted for Trump. Character is not your measuring stick.

Ha.  I deleted this because I only saw the Glenn Campbell song.  I didn’t know HT was taking this thread a different direction.  

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1 hour ago, weepaws said:

This is why bars, night clubs, alcohol and all drugs should be eliminated, and Catholic Church’s.   Also the reason why pedero alcohol, porn watchers don’t want God involved in children’s life.  Muslim, Buddhist, Mormon, atheist, catholic all of them want kids to not know the Word of God.  Shame   

Zechariah 8:21.  And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts, I will go also.  Indeed Amen Thanks 

I bet you're the life of the party where you're from. Where would that be?

Mars? Uranus?

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2 minutes ago, Tree of Knowledge said:

Ha.  I deleted this because I only saw the Glenn Campbell song.  I didn’t know HT was taking this thread a different direction.  

It's good to do some investigation into the directions people take things before committing yourself, I agree.

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24 minutes ago, HellToupee said:

:lol:

That’s the laughter of a fool, knowing he’s on the wrong team, satan loves you, Sadly Jesus doesn’t know you, but man praises you, made man.  

Matthew 4:18-20.  That verse is worth 6 months of learning you receive from your wicked Church.  Indeed Amen Thanks 

HTH. 

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34 minutes ago, Fnord said:

It's good to do some investigation into the directions people take things before committing yourself, I agree.

I thought Rhinestone Cowboy could have some ghay undertones, but not Southern Nights.  

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8 hours ago, HellToupee said:

Drag + teacher 🌈 🦄     This story has all the tropes

 

The owner of a thriving Tampa Bay drag bar (pictured) and his partner are facing “extremely serious” allegations of child sexual exploitation (Google Maps)

 

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday

 

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

The former owner of a thriving Tampa Bay drag and LGBTQ bar and his partner are facing “extremely serious” allegations of child sexual exploitation and child pornography charges, according to federal court documents seen by The Independent.

Richard Kowalczyk, 44, who until recently owned the well-known LGBTQ hangout Southern Nights, and his romantic partner Eric Patrick, 31, a teacher, were arrested earlier this month after being accused of accessing pornography involving boys from as young as six years old to prepubescent teenagers.

The pair are both facing charges of conspiracy to entice a minor, attempted coercion, and the enticement of a minor.

Kowalczyk is charged with an additional two counts for “receipt” and “possession” of child pornography while Patrick is charged with distribution of child pornography, as per the federal criminal complaint. Patrick’s lawyer told Fox Tampa Bay that his client is maintaining his innocence and is looking forward to defending himself in court.

 

Should both be executed. 

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