On Wednesday, the Gainesville Police Department executed a search warrant on Florida Gators backup quarterback Jalen Kitna’s apartment and ended up arresting him on two counts of distribution of child exploitation material and three counts of possession of child pornography.
Thursday, a Gainesville judge on set bond at $80,000 for Kitna, per News4Jax. The judge declined a request for a cash bond.
Kitna was booked in the Alachua County Jail and appeared in court from the jail via a closed-circuit television wearing a suicide prevention gown.
Kitna’s parents, who include former NFL quarterback Jon Kitna, testified that they would take Kitna to their Texas home while he awaits the next court proceedings. Jon is now a high school coach in Burleson, Texas.
According to AP reporter Mark Long, Kitna is not allowed to have internet access while out on bond and is only allowed to have supervised contact with minors under the age of 18.
Kitna is not allowed internet access and only allowed to have supervised contact with minors under the age of 18. Attorney argued for Internet access so he could finish school and exams. https://t.co/ybfMDipHe7
— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) December 1, 2022
The five arresting charges are still being formalized by the state, but the second-degree felonies could result in up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Kitna has been suspended indefinitely from the Florida football program, according to a university spokesperson.
“We are shocked and saddened to hear of the news involving Jalen Kitna,” read the statement. “These are extremely serious charges and the University of Florida and the UAA have zero tolerance for such behavior. Jalen has been suspended indefinitely.”
