Ex-Red Sox player Austin Maddox arrested in Florida child predator sting: deputies

JACKSONVILLE, Fla (WFLA) — A former Red Sox player was arrested in Jacksonville after he was allegedly caught trying to meet a minor for sex, according to Sheriff T.K. Waters.

Monday, Waters announced the arrest of 27 men in an undercover anti-child predator sting called "Operation Valiant Knights," which lasted from April 24 to April 28.

"These adults solicited sexual activity and committed to engaging in sex acts with purported minors at pre-arranged locations," the sheriff said.

Waters said that among the numerous arrests was a former Red Sox pitcher, 33-year-old Jacksonville native Austin Maddox.

The sheriff accused Maddox of traveling "with the intent of engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old child."

Video released by the sheriff's office showed Maddox exiting a red truck as he approached a home. However, instead of a minor, a group of deputies greeted Maddox by tackling to the ground.

According to his inmate profile, Maddox was charged with 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 two-way communication device, and produce/promote performance which includes sexual performance by a child.

Maddox once played for the Red Sox from 2017 to 2019 and officially retired from professional baseball in 2020.