A former Boston Red Sox pitcher has been arrested in an underage sex sting.
Austin Maddox, who pitched for the Boston Red Sox in 2017, was reportedly arrested in Florida as part of a child predator sting operation.
The arrest was made during “Operation Valiant Knights,” as confirmed by local police. Boston 25 shared the news.
Austin Maddox, 33, of Jacksonville, Florida, is charged with 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 producing or promoting performance which included sexual performance by a child, a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office arrest report indicated.
Maddox was reportedly talking with someone who identified themselves as a 14-year-old girl. He is alleged to have arranged to meet up with the girl for sex.
Maddox chatted with someone who identified herself as a 14-year-old girl on the website “Skip the Games,” continued the conversation via text message, and arranged a place to meet for sex, according to the arrest report.
Investigators say Maddox “expressed a desire to commit lewd acts” and after learning the girl’s age he allegedly said, “That’s young, baby. I get in trouble for that. You can’t even drive. You gonna stay with me all night?”
The former MLB pitcher was reportedly arrested in late April and sustained injuries during his arrest.
Maddox did not have a long MLB career as he pitched only in 2017 for the Red Sox recording 14 strikeouts.
He retired from professional baseball in 2020.
