Empire Video’s Roy Karch Files for Bankruptcy

WEST HILLS, Calif. — The owner of shuttered adult DVD one-stop Empire Video Distributors filed for bankruptcy on June 23. Roy Karch abruptly closed his Chatsworth, Calif. facility in February after 12 years in business owing hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid invoices.

Empire Video’s Roy Karch is not to be confused with the long-time director of the same name.

In his Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing Karch claims debts totaling $990,907.77 against assets of $35,500. According to the filing, Karch owned 89 percent of Empire Video and had full ownership of Pacific Coast, Epic Interactive and 75 percent of Xcartel, though there is an ongoing dispute with Xcartel co-owner Javier C, who claims he shared a 50-50 ownership split with Karch.

Karch’s biggest creditors include Jules Jordan Video to which he claims $65,463 is owed; LFP Video has accounts receivable totaling $105,654; Platinum X Pictures has $50,320 in outstanding invoices; and Private is out $23,867.

Collecting Empire Video’s debts is unlikely for its creditors given that none of the companies Karch owned or had a stake in is worth anything.

Stock in Pacific Coast, which ceased operations in February, still has some accounts receivable for which collection is doubtful. It’s stock was valued at zero dollars. Epic Interactive produced five or six short movies that were sold through Xcartel and its only assets are the DVD distribution rights to about 80 titles of which the value is extremely limited. It’s stock was valued at zero, too. Despite the ownership squabble, the assets of Xcartel were valued at zero.

Karch claims some of Empire’s woes were due to an unscrupulous warehouse manager that was shipping product without invoicing it. Sales consistently dropped for the company as content delivery shifted towards the Internet, but the company is “still collecting accounts receivable and attempting to pay down corporate debt, which far exceeds the value of the collectible receivables.”

Attempts to reach Karch for comment were unsuccessful.

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Screaming O Debuts 'Ride the Pickle' Pleasure Ring

Screaming O has introduced its new Ride the Pickle vibrating C-ring, part of its food-themed collection.

X3 Euro All-Stars Paint Amsterdam Red in Billboard Campaign

The X3 Expo Euro All-Stars are making a splash on the vibrant streets of Amsterdam as the creator-first fan event prepares to make its debut on the continent.

Kendra Sunderland, Alina Lopez Lead Latest From Vixen

Kendra Sunderland and Alina Lopez star with reigning and three-time XMAs Male Performer of the Year Vince Karter in the second installment of the Vixen showcase series “The Angel Anthology.”

Greta Foss Makes Her Immoral Debut

Greta Foss has made her debut for Immoral Productions alongside Megan Longoria, Matt Bird, and studio honcho “Porno Dan” Leal.

Grooby Producer/Director Louie Damazo Passes Away

Longtime Grooby producer and director Louie Damazo passed away Sunday at his home in Brazil at the age of 58.

'Goddess' Charlotte Sins Blesses the September Issue of X3 Magazine

Charlotte Sins graces the cover of the September issue of X3 magazine, the premier publication capturing the real personalities, passions, and stories behind top stars.

Penthouse Names Lulu Romanova as September's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named Lulu Romanova as Pet of the Month for September.

Williams Trading Founder Bob Pyne Sr. Passes Away at 88

Bob Pyne Sr., founder of Williams Trading Co. and adult industry pioneer, has passed away at the age of 88.

Suki Sin Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Suki Sin stars with Codey Steele in the latest release from New Sensations.

Elly Clutch Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Elly Clutch stars with Dwayne Foxxx in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Summer Snatch."

Show More