Orlando Nightclub Owner Sentenced to 14 Years for Crimes Against a Minor
Richard Kowalczyk, former owner of Orlando nightclubs Southern Nights, District Dive, and Stiffy's, has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for attempting to coerce and entice a 15-year-old. His husband, Eric Patrick, a former teacher, received a 10-year…
Orlando Daytona Beach Melbourne, FL, August 4, 2026 —
Richard Kowalczyk, the former proprietor of several Orlando-area nightclubs, has received a 14-year federal prison sentence. The sentence stems from charges related to attempting to coerce and entice a 15-year-old individual. Kowalczyk was the owner of establishments including Southern Nights, District Dive, and Stiffy’s.
His husband, Eric Patrick, who was formerly employed as a teacher, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in the same crime. Court documents indicate that Kowalczyk and Patrick met the minor through the dating application Grindr.
Both Kowalczyk and Patrick entered guilty pleas to the charges. As a result of their guilty pleas, other charges that had been filed against them, including conspiracy and distribution of child pornography, were dismissed.
Story summarized from the original created by Chloe Greenberg on www.orlandoweekly.com, see more information here.
