Former MLB Player Austin Maddox Arrested In Child Predator Sting

Photo: Instagram/Austin Maddox

Austin Maddox, a former pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, was arrested in Florida during a child predator sting operation named "Operation Valiant Knights." The 33-year-old was caught allegedly communicating with an undercover agent posing as an underage girl.

According to Jacksonville police, Maddox is accused of soliciting sex over the internet from someone he believed to be a minor. He was one of 27 people arrested during the operation.

“These adults solicited sexual activity and committed to engaging in sex acts with purported minors at pre-arranged locations,” said Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters at a news conference on Monday. Waters stated that Maddox traveled with the intent of engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old child.

Photo: Instagram/Austin Maddox

The arrest report, obtained by CBS, reveals that Maddox began talking with a girl who he thought was 14. The girl was actually an undercover agent. Maddox allegedly agreed to meet her at a pre-arranged location, where he was then arrested.

During the arrest, Maddox resisted and was tackled to the ground by an officer, as shown in video footage released by the sheriff’s office. The K-9 unit was also involved in the arrest.


Maddox faces four felony charges: traveling to meet after using a computer to solicit a child, solicitation of a child via computer to engage in sexual conduct, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and promoting a performance that includes sexual conduct by a child. He is being held on a $300,000 bond.

Austin Maddox played for the Boston Red Sox from 2017 to 2019, appearing in 13 games in 2017. He played college baseball at the University of Florida and retired from professional baseball in 2020.

In related news, MLB player Mike Clevinger, now with the Chicago White Sox, was investigated for domestic violence and child abuse in 2023. The MLB investigated after Clevinger’s former partner alleged abuse. The Chicago White Sox stated they were unaware of the allegations at the time of his signing and are supportive of MLB’s investigation process. Clevinger denied the allegations and ultimately faced no discipline from the league.

Read Next: Bronny James Talks About The Challenges of Being LeBron's Son

Source: Yahoo Sports 

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