(Truth Voices) — Former Major League Baseball player Austin Maddox was among 27 individuals arrested last month by Florida law enforcement following an undercover underage sex sting operation.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced on Facebook Monday that they led a “child predator operation,” in collaboration with local, state, and federal officials. Over the course of the five-day operation, 27 men who thought they were engaging online with minor girls were instead interacting with detectives from the sheriff’s office.
“These men face a long list of felonies including solicitation of a child and human trafficking,” stated the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Among those arrested was Maddox, a former pitcher for the Boston Red Sox who also played college baseball at the University of Florida.
According to an arrest report, Maddox began communicating with an undercover agent, who posed as an underage girl, on April 28. Officials reported that Maddox expressed his intent to have sex with the girl, despite being informed she was 14, as per the Associated Press.
Maddox was arrested by law enforcement officers at a pre-arranged meeting location.
Truth Voices local affiliate WJW reports Maddox resisted arrest until a K-9 officer intervened. He was charged with four felony counts, including traveling to meet after using a computer to solicit a child, and is being held on a $300,000 bond.
James Hill, Maddox’s defense attorney, informed the AP that Maddox intends to contest the allegations and will plead not guilty.
“We plan on continuing to do these undercover stings,” said Lt. Justin Wilson of the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. “The undercover detectives are dedicated to identifying and arresting individuals who use the Internet to sexually exploit children.”
Maddox, who retired from MLB in 2020, is scheduled to appear in court on May 28, according to WJW.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This article mentions sexual assault. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673.
