PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A man from Safety Harbor, a Saint Leo University associate professor, is accused of sending and receiving child porn, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said.
Detectives reportedly began their investigation after receiving information of child exploitation material being uploaded on the messenger application Kik. The tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led detectives to an extensive investigation, the sheriff's office said in a news release.
Eventually, the agency says detectives were able to identify 55-year-old Steven Kistulentz, an associate professor at Saint Leo University, as the person responsible. A search warrant was obtained for the 55-year-old's house, and electronic devices were seized by law enforcement.
Kistulentz was arrested Tuesday and charged with two counts of intentional viewing of child pornography. In an update Thursday morning, the sheriff's office said 10 images of child porn were found — and he now faces an additional 10 counts of possession of child pornography.
Detectives say Kistulentz admitted to ownership of the Kik account during an interview. He also reportedly confessed to receiving and sending files involving child porn.
He's now in the Pinellas County jail and had his first appearance in court Wednesday. Bond was set at $20,000.
At this time, detectives say the investigation hasn't revealed any other children involved.
Saint Leo University released the following statement in regards to Kistulentz's arrest:
"Upon learning of the charges filed by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Saint Leo University has placed Steve Kistulentz on administrative leave and has suspended his access to the university. He will have no contact with students. We are awaiting further information as this matter is being investigated."