Gators backup QB removed from team roster after being released from jail

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Former Gators backup quarterback Jalen Kitna has been removed from the team roster a day after he appeared in court on child porn charges.

On Thursday, the judge set his bond at $80,000 after denying the lawyer’s request for a non-monetary bond since it was his first offense. He was bonded out of jail around 6 p.m.

His father, former NFL player, Jon Kitna, and his mother Jennifer was present in court as well as his pastor and the pastor’s wife.

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

Around 4:45 p.m., Kitna’s parents and lawyer arrived at the Alachua County Jail. After a few minutes, they arrived back at the jail in a different car but left for a second time. At around 5:57 p.m., they arrived back at the jail with a second car and that’s when Jalen was released.

The 19-year-old appeared in court wearing a dark green “Suicide gown.” During the 90-minute court appearance, Kitna was seen dropping his head down many times and crying at one point.

Gainesville police officers received a cyber tip that child porn images were posted by Kitna’s discord account.

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

Ron Kozlowski is one of the lawyers representing Kitna. He also represented UF basketball player Keyontae Johnson in a sexual assault case back in March. Kozlowski wouldn’t show his face on camera after the proceedings but said they will take the case day by day.

“We’ll talk to the family and they’ll handle that the way they want to handle it,” said Kozlowski. “Right now we’re not really that much considering how to handle the case as much as trying to get Jalen the love and support he needs right now. So we’ll get to the case in due time but right now that’s our focus.”

Kitna faces 2 counts of distribution of child exploitation material and three counts of possession of child pornography.

“Remember this, he hasn’t been charged with anything yet this is simply for the purpose of the first appearance and setting a bond,” said Kozlowski. “Charges, if there are any charges will come down the line from the state attorney, this is all preliminary.”

The judge ordered Kitna to have only supervised contact with minors during his release to allow him to attend church. She also said he cannot have internet access.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Copyright 2022 WCJB. All rights reserved.