Austin Maddox. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Sheriff: Former Red Sox pitcher arrested in underage sex sting

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 5/22/24

Former top MLB prospect and Boston Red Sox pitcher Austin Maddox has been arrested in Florida for allegedly “trying to use the internet to sexually exploit children.”

This, according to Fox Sports, which cited the Jacksonville, Florida, sheriff's office. Maddox was swept up in a five-day sting operation known as "Valiant Knights." The sheriff's office released a video of Maddox being taken down and arrested as he entered a home in which he allegedly believed he was meeting a 14-year-old girl for sex.

“Maddox resisted arrest until our canine got involved,” police said.
Maddox, 33, is facing four felony counts, including "traveling to meet a minor after using a computer to solicit a child."

“In their minds they knew they were meeting minors and going to a specific location to have sexual intercourse with kids," Sheriff T.K. Waters said of the 27 men busted in the operation.

Maddox is due in court on May 28.

Selected by the Boston Red Sox in the third round of the 2012 MLB Draft, Maddox pitched in 13 games when he eventually made the big leagues during the 2017 season.

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