JUST IN: Wild footage emerges as former Red Sox pitcher arrested in child sex sting

 

Austin Maddox, a former Red Sox pitcher, was arrested on April 28 for a child sex solicitation sting in Florida. His mugshot revealed red bruises on his face and a swollen right eye from the police assault.

An additional 27 male suspects were detained, including Maddox, 33, a former third-round selection by Boston in the 2012 MLB Draft, for allegedly “trying to use the internet to sexually exploit children.”

Together with other agencies, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office released video footage on Monday from their successful five-day operation called “Valiant Knights.” The footage featured Maddox’s arrest at a prearranged location where he thought he was meeting a 14-year-old girl for sex, according to the police.

“27 men believed they were having online conversations with minors. They were conversing with our investigators instead,” the Jacksonville Sheriff’s office posted on social media.

Maddox fought arrest up until our dog became involved, according to the cops.

Sheriff T.K. Waters described the suspects as having “in their minds they knew they were meeting minors and going to a specific location to have sexual intercourse with kids” during a press conference on Monday.

Maddox’s bond was set at somewhat more than $300,000. He was arrested on four felony counts, including traveling to see a juvenile after use a computer to recruit a kid. He must appear in court on May 28.

Maddox’s defense attorney, James Hill, stated that he plans to refute the accusations made against his client and will submit a not guilty plea in the event that formal charges are brought.

Maddox played in fifteen Red Sox games during the 2017 campaign. The 2019 Red Sox released the University of Florida product after he battled shoulder issues in the minor leagues.