Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Austin Maddox was among 27 individuals arrested in Florida as part of an undercover operation targeting individuals soliciting sex from minors online. The operation, conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies, led to Maddox's arrest late last month in Jacksonville.
According to reports, Maddox, 33, engaged in online communication with an individual he believed to be an underage girl. Despite being informed that the girl was only 14 years old, Maddox allegedly continued to express his intent to engage in sexual activities with her.
Authorities stated that Maddox agreed to meet the girl at a predetermined location, where he was apprehended by law enforcement officers. He is currently facing four felony charges, including the offense of traveling to meet a minor after using a computer to solicit sexual acts.
Maddox, who played college baseball for the University of Florida, was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2012. He made his major league debut with the team in 2017 but later returned to the minors due to shoulder injuries. Maddox was released from the Red Sox in 2019.
James Hill, Maddox's defense attorney, has stated that his client plans to contest the allegations and will plead not guilty if formal charges are brought against him. Maddox is currently being held in jail on a $300,000 bond as the legal proceedings unfold.
