1. Austin Maddox Arrested in Anti-Child Predator Operation
2. Austin Maddox Arrested in Sting Targeting Child Predators.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A former Boston Red Sox pitcher, Austin Dean Maddox, was apprehended by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office last month as part of an undercover operation targeting child predators. The 33-year-old athlete was taken into custody on April 28 after engaging in online conversations with individuals he believed to be underage girls, but were actually undercover agents.
Arrest and Charges
Maddox was arrested on four felony charges, including travelling to meet after using a computer to seduce/solicit/lure a child, soliciting a child by computer, unlawful use of a communication device, and producing or promoting a performance that includes sexual performance by a child, as reported by NBC 10 Boston, citing inmate records.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office shared footage of the operation on their Facebook page, showcasing the arrest of Maddox and several other alleged predators. In the video, Maddox can be seen resisting arrest before K-9 units were called in to assist.
Operation Valiant Knights
The arrests were part of a 5-day operation named “Valiant Knights,” conducted by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with local, state, and federal partners from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. In total, 27 men were apprehended during the operation, facing charges related to solicitation of a child and human trafficking.
Sheriff T.K. Waters emphasized the priority placed on the safety of children in light of the increasing risks posed by online predators. He stated, “Our investigators, along with those of our partner agencies, will continue to proactively identify and apprehend child predators before they have the opportunity to act upon their perversions.”
Legal Proceedings
It is unclear at this time whether Maddox has legal representation. He is currently held on bail amounting to approximately $300,000, with his next court appearance scheduled for May 28.
Maddox, a former University of Florida attendee, was drafted in the third round of the 2012 MLB Draft. He played 13 regular season games with the Red Sox during the 2017 season before retiring in 2020.
For more updates on crime news and ongoing trial coverage, readers can sign up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter.
.
– Austin Maddox Arrested Anti-Child Predator Sting
– Austin Maddox Arrested Anti-Child Predator Operation.
