A disturbing case out of Tennessee has shaken the youth baseball community, as a regional figure tied to one of the sport’s largest scouting platforms now faces serious criminal charges.
According to authorities, 44 year old Christopher Goodrich, who served as a regional director for Perfect Game USA in Knoxville, was arrested on April 21, 2026 during an undercover human trafficking operation conducted by local and state law enforcement.
Investigators say the operation targeted individuals attempting to engage in illegal sex acts with minors. As part of the sting, undercover agents posed as individuals involved in prostitution, including one officer presenting as a 14 year old.
According to court records, Goodrich allegedly traveled to a hotel on Papermill Drive in Knoxville where he met with undercover agents and agreed to pay for sex acts involving what he believed to be a minor.
He has since been charged with multiple offenses, including soliciting a minor and patronizing prostitution involving a victim under the age of 15.
Goodrich’s background in youth baseball adds another layer of concern to the case. He had reportedly been serving as a regional director for Perfect Game USA since June 2025 and was also affiliated with local youth programs, including coaching roles.
Perfect Game, widely recognized as one of the largest amateur baseball scouting and showcase organizations in the country, moved quickly following the arrest. The organization confirmed that Goodrich is no longer affiliated with them, emphasizing that player safety remains a top priority.
The arrest was part of a broader crackdown in the Knoxville area, where multiple individuals were taken into custody during the same operation aimed at curbing human trafficking and exploitation.
As the legal process moves forward, the case underscores the importance of oversight and accountability within youth sports, particularly in organizations that work closely with young athletes and families.
For now, Goodrich faces serious charges tied to allegations that emerged from a coordinated law enforcement effort, one designed to identify and apprehend individuals seeking to exploit minors.
And for the baseball community, it serves as a sobering reminder that safeguarding young players extends far beyond the field.