Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Austin Maddox faces serious charges after being arrested in an underage sex sting. The arrest was part of a major multi-agency operation in Florida. Maddox’s involvement in the scandal has shocked both his fans and the sports community.
Former Red Sox Pitcher Arrested in Florida Sting
Authorities announced the arrest of former Boston Red Sox pitcher Austin Maddox in Florida on charges related to an underage sex sting.
Multi-Agency Operation Leads to Arrests
Maddox, 33, of Jacksonville, Florida, was among 27 individuals arrested last month in a multi-agency operation, according to Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters.
Charges Involving Solicitation
The accused are facing charges for soliciting sex online from individuals they believed to be minors, officials reported.
Multiple Felony Counts
Maddox faces four felony charges, including traveling to meet a minor after using a computer to solicit a child.
Video Evidence Released
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office released a video showing Maddox resisting arrest, requiring the intervention of a police K9.
Dramatic Arrest Footage
In the video, Maddox is seen being tackled by multiple officers and a police dog as he entered his home, where police were waiting.
Explicit Communications Uncovered
Investigators revealed that Maddox expressed a desire to commit lewd acts and continued communication despite knowing the girl was underage.
Undercover Operation Details
Maddox began communicating with an undercover agent posing as an underage girl on April 28, expressing his intent even after learning she was 14.
Legal Defense Plans
James Hill, Maddox’s defense attorney, stated that Maddox plans to fight the allegations and will plead not guilty if formal charges are filed.
Maddox’s Baseball Career
Austin Maddox, a former University of Florida player, was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2012 and debuted in the major leagues in 2017.
Short Stint in the Majors
Maddox played 13 games for the Red Sox in 2017 but returned to the minors due to shoulder injuries, eventually being released in 2019.
Current Legal Situation
Currently unmarried, Maddox is being held in jail on a $300,000 bond following his arrest in the underage sex sting.
Others Arrested in the Sting
The operation also led to the arrests of Kevin Pearce, a Duval County Public Schools maintenance worker, and Chad Sadlowski, a Mayo Clinic respiratory therapist, according to Sheriff Waters.
Additional Arrests
Malcolm McGee, a sergeant with the Army National Guard, was among those arrested in the same operation.
