ORLANDO, Fla. — A Central Florida nightclub owner and his partner have been arrested on federal child pornography charges, according to court records released this month.
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The records show Richard Kowalczyk, owner of Southern Nights among other Florida nightclubs, and his partner, Eric Patrick, were faced with multiple child pornography and coercion charges.
Kowalczyk faces one count of distribution of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, two counts of receipt of child pornography, and one count of attempting to coerce or entice a minor into sexual activity.
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Patrick faces charges of conspiracy to entice a minor, attempted coercion, enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and distribution of child pornography.
The indictment follows years of SMS communication between Kowalczyk and Patrick.
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Officials said the two discussed their desire to have “sexual relations with teenage boys”, shared “sexual images” with each other of people they met on online dating sites, and the desire to “find new teenage boys with whom to have sexual relations”.
The court records said some of the individuals were under 18.
Southern Nights released 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. 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.
— Southern Nights & District Dive
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