Richard Kowalczyk, 46, and Eric Patrick, 31, both of Windermere, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza on Aug. 4 for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Kowalczyk received a sentence of 14 years in federal prison, while Patrick was sentenced to 10 years. Both are required to register as sex offenders.
According to court documents, Kowalczyk and Patrick, who are married, engaged in sexually graphic online conversations discussing their interests in minors. In July 2020, they attempted to coerce and entice a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct and requested sexually explicit images from the individual. Authorities also found that Kowalczyk possessed child sexual abuse images and videos on his cellphone involving minors under the age of twelve.
Patrick pleaded guilty in February 2026, and Kowalczyk pleaded guilty in April 2026. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the sentences.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide.