Ex-Pitcher Austin Maddox Arrested in Anti-Child Predator Operation

Jacksonville, FL – Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Austin Maddox, 33, was arrested on April 28 in a  operation conducted by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) as part of a five-day operation named "Valiant Knights." Maddox, who has a visibly battered face and a swollen right eye in his mugshot, was detained after he resisted arrest, leading the police to tackle him to the ground.

The operation, executed in collaboration with various local, state, and federal agencies, aimed to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to exploit minors via the internet. According to JSO, 27 men, including Maddox, believed they were communicating with underage individuals, but they were actually interacting with undercover detectives.

Maddox, a former third-round pick by the Red Sox in the 2012 MLB Draft, was charged with four felonies, including traveling to meet a minor after using a computer to solicit a minor. His bail was set at just over $300,000. Video footage released by authorities shows the moment Maddox was arrested at a pre-arranged location where he thought he was meeting a 14-year-old. He is due to appear in court on Tuesday, May 28.

James Hill, Maddox's defense attorney, stated that his client intends to fight the charges and will plead not guilty should formal charges be filed.

The "Valiant Knights" operation underscores the ongoing efforts by the JSO and its partners to protect minors from online predators. "JSO and our partners go to great lengths to keep minors safe and we will continue conducting operations like this," the sheriff's office affirmed in their social media statement.

Maddox's arrest, who appeared in 13 games during his career for the Red Sox before retiring, has drawn significant attention due to his former professional sports career. The case highlights the widespread issue of internet-facilitated exploitation and the importance of vigilant law enforcement actions to combat such crimes.