Tampa Bar Owner and Teacher Partner Face Child Pornography Charges

TAMPA, Fla. – Richard Kowalczyk, owner of Southern Nights Bar in Ybor City, and his domestic partner, Eric Patrick, a teacher, were arrested on Jan. 2 following a federal indictment on charges related to child pornography and conspiracy to solicit minors for sexual acts. The investigation, which began in January 2023, uncovered graphic discussions and explicit material involving minors.

Court documents reveal that law enforcement discovered a Telegram conversation between Kowalczyk and another suspect, which included discussions of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and explicit images and videos. The investigation led to a search warrant for their Orlando home, where electronic devices containing 83 images and two videos of child exploitation were seized. Some of the material depicted minors under 12 years old.

Kowalczyk admitted to receiving child pornography during the search, while messages between him and Patrick detailed their plans to engage with minors, including a 2020 trip to Key West where they allegedly met a minor through the dating app Grindr. Both men are accused of sharing child sexual abuse material with each other.

Kowalczyk faces charges of conspiracy, attempted coercion, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Patrick is charged with conspiracy and distribution of child pornography. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Attorney Anthony Rickman, who is not involved in the case, explained the complexity of such investigations. “When you’re going through phone records and voluminous documents, these cases take time to put together,” he said. “They have to prove possession and intent.”

Patrick’s attorney, John Notar, stated that his client maintains his innocence and looks forward to defending himself in court. Kowalczyk’s attorney, Fritz Scheller, emphasized that his client would step away from his businesses, including District Dive, Stiffy’s, and a second Southern Nights location in Orlando, to focus on his defense.

The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in prosecuting child exploitation crimes, particularly when evidence is digital and circumstantial. The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare for trial.