News reports have confirmed that ex-Red Sox pitcher Austin Maddox was arrested in an anti-child predator sting operation in Jacksonville, Florida, last month, and now Maddox is facing several felony charges.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department said that they arrested 27 men on Monday who believed that they were communicating with underage girls online. Still, they were speaking to detectives on their five-day “Operation Valiant Knights” bust.
Maddox, 33, was arrested on April 28 and charged with traveling to meet after using a computer to seduce/solicit/lure a child, solicitation of a child via computer to engage in sexual conduct, unlawful use of two-way communication device, and produce/promote performance which includes sexual performance by a child. Maddox’s bond was set at a little more than $300K.
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters made a statement about the arrest, stating, “Austin Maddox, a former Red Sox MLB player, traveled with the intent of engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old child.”
Law enforcement video footage shows Maddox’s arrest. He exits a red pickup truck and walks into a home as he encounters several Jacksonville Sheriff’s deputies. The former Red Sox pitcher is due in court next week.
Maddox only pitched one season in MLB after being called up from the Florida Gators as a third-round draft pick in 2017.