Tampa Club Owner, Teacher Face Child Porn Charges: Report

TAMPA, FL — A Tampa nightclub owner and a teacher are facing federal child pornography and enticement charges after being accused of sharing their desires to have sex with teenage boys and sharing child pornographic images, according to a report.

Southern Nights owner Richard Kowalczyk and teacher Eric Patrick face multiple charges after being arrested on Jan. 2, according to federal court documents obtained by Patch. It is unknown where Patrick taught.

They each were charged on suspicion of coercion or enticement of female/male, conspiracy to defraud the United States and materials containing child pornography, the documents showed. They have both been released on bond.

The allegations against Kowalczyk and Patrick stretch as far back as November 2019 and March 2021, when they were accused of expressing their desire to have sexual relations with teenage boys in text messages, WFLA reported, citing an indictment.

The messages also focused on "alleged encounters they had with minors" and photos of people who were believed to be younger than age 18, the news outlet reported.

In June 2020, the two men were accused of intending to travel to Key West to meet boys, WFLA reported. Then, between July 2020 and February 2021, Patrick was accused of sending photos of a 15-year-old teenager to Kowalczyk that they wanted to meet for sexual relations, the news outlet reported.

Southern Nights on Monday released a statement via Instagram, saying Kowalczyk is maintaining his innocence.

"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 Kowalezyk 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. Thank you," representatives said in the statement.

Kowalczyk and Patrick may only have contact with their daughter and no other minors, per their release conditions, WFLA reported.

Southern Nights is located in Tampa and Orlando.