Gators backup QB Jalen Kitna bond set at $80K on child porn charges

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Published: Dec. 1, 2022 at 11:54 AM EST
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - A backup quarterback for the Florida Gators football team appeared in court Thursday on charges related to child porn.

A bond was set for Jalen Kitna, 19 at $80,000. Conditions were added that Kitna is to have no contact with minors and he should stay off the internet.

Kitna was last to appear on Thursday morning and wore a dark green gown called a “suicide gown’ by sheriff’s office officials. His attorney addressed concerns with the way the court’s website listed the charges against Kitna.

His attorney argued because he has no prior criminal record he should be released on his own recognizance. His parents then appeared to promise the court he would make future court appearances.

Kitna is the son of former NFL quarterback Jon Kitna.

The Gainesville Police Department is accusing Kitna of distributing two child porn images on his phone and having three images on his electronic devices.

RELATED: ‘You know when it’s a child’: Gainesville Police officers speak on Gators Football player child porn arrest

According to the arrest report, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children sent Gainesville Police officers a tip about Kitna’s alleged online activity on June 23.

Chat logs from Kitna’s Discord show the 19-year-old discussing pornography with another user on the platform and sharing images of prepubescent girls. The actions were then reported to the social media platform which banned his account.

RELATED: Florida Gators Quarterback charged with possession of child porn

Gainesville police officers searched his home and found pubescent child porn images on his personal devices. During the search, Kitna admitted to previously being in Kik chat rooms where people distributed child sexual abuse material. In the report, Kitna also stated that he has been “struggling with controlling his interests.”

Chief Investigator for the 8th Eighth Judicial Circuit court Darry Lloyd says his department takes prosecution very seriously when it comes to child pornography charges.

“The concern is that every time you possess and share those images you’re re-offending that child victim. That’s why it’s serious and that’s why the state takes it serious, and that’s why our office takes it serious as well,” said Lloyd.

After Kitna was arrested, he was suspended from the University of Florida’s football team. The arrest report for Kitna is below, it contains graphic details.

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