Orlando LGBTQIA+ Club Owner and School Teacher Indicted on Child Sex Charges

The owner of a well-known Orlando LGBTQIA+ nightclub and another man rumored to be a school teacher are facing serious federal charges involving minors. Federal court documents have painted a disturbing picture, raising significant questions and sparking widespread community concern.

Allegations Against Southern Nights Owner

Richard Kowalski, owner of Southern Nights, an LGBTQ+ nightclub located on Bumby Avenue in Orlando, has been indicted by a federal grand jury. Alongside him, Eric Patrick has been named in the same indictment. The charges stem from alleged criminal activities occurring between July 1, 2020, and February 10, 2021.

The pair faces multiple serious charges, which include:

• Attempted coercion and enticement of minors
• Distribution of child pornography
• Receipt and possession of explicit material involving minors

Investigators allege that Kowalski and Patrick used digital platforms, including the app Grindr, to communicate with individuals under the age of 18. They are accused of exchanging explicit images and persuading minors to engage in illegal activities.

Details of the Investigation

Court documents reveal that federal authorities confiscated electronic devices belonging to the accused, including two cell phones and a desktop computer. These devices reportedly contained evidence central to the case.

The indictment further outlines that the individuals used means of interstate commerce to carry out their alleged crimes. This makes the charges federal in nature, with potential implications beyond local jurisdiction.

According to WESH:

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.”

Defense Response

Both Kowalski and Patrick have pled not guilty to all charges. Fritz Scheller, the attorney representing the defendants, released a public statement affirming their claim of innocence. Scheller expressed confidence in the legal system’s ability to fairly evaluate the case.

“The accused trust the justice system to prove their innocence,” Scheller stated, urging the public to withhold judgment until the trial process unfolds.

Community Reaction and Legal Proceedings

Kowalski’s role as the owner of an established LGBTQ+ nightclub adds a layer of public interest to the case. Southern Nights is revered by the LGBTQIA+ community, making the allegations particularly shocking to many who frequented the establishment.

The federal court has scheduled the next appearance for Kowalski and Patrick next month, where proceedings are expected to continue. Until then, questions remain about how the evidence and testimony will shape the case.

What’s Next?

As the case moves forward, legal experts anticipate more details to emerge. The charges against Kowalski and Patrick are severe, with significant possible legal consequences. The community will likely be watching closely as the legal process unfolds.