Former MLB Player Austin Maddox Arrested in Child Predator Sting
Austin Maddox, a former pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, was arrested in Florida as part of a child predator sting operation named “Operation Valiant Knights.” Maddox, 33, had been conversing online with an undercover agent posing as an underage girl.
Details of the Sting Operation
Jacksonville police reported that Maddox was arrested for soliciting sex from what he believed to be a child. He was among 27 individuals apprehended in this sting. Sheriff T.K. Waters confirmed Maddox’s intentions to meet and engage in sexual activity with a purported 14-year-old girl.
Maddox had arranged to meet the girl, who was actually an undercover agent, leading to his arrest. Video footage from the sheriff’s office shows Maddox resisting arrest until subdued by a K-9 unit.
Charges and Legal Consequences
Maddox faces four felony charges:
- 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 a two-way communication device
- Production/promotion of performance involving sexual acts by a child
He is currently held on a $300,000 bond.
Background on Austin Maddox
Maddox played for the Boston Red Sox from 2017 to 2019, appearing in 13 games in 2017. Prior to his MLB career, he played for the University of Florida. He retired from professional baseball in 2020.
Similar Case: Mike Clevinger
Maddox is not the only MLB player recently involved in legal issues. Mike Clevinger of the Chicago White Sox was investigated in 2023 over allegations of domestic violence and child abuse by Olivia Finestead, the mother of his daughter. MLB’s investigation concluded with no disciplinary action against Clevinger.
The Chicago White Sox and Clevinger’s lawyer both issued statements denying the allegations, emphasizing support for MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse policy. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the league found no grounds for punishment.
