By Natalia Rueda 
Jacksonville, FL – Austin Maddox, a former Boston Red Sox pitcher, was among those arrested in a recent undercover operation in Florida targeting pedophiles attempting to sexually exploit minors. The operation led to the arrest of 27 individuals attempting to solicit sexual services from minors over the Internet. The announcement made Monday by Jacksonville authorities has sparked a wave of public outrage.
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters unveiled the charges against Maddox, 33, accused of soliciting sexual services from a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. The arrest followed a lengthy interaction between Maddox and an undercover agent, who was posing as a minor. The communication between Maddox and the agent began on April 28 and continued even after the agent revealed her alleged age. Law enforcement eventually intervened at the predetermined meeting point, leading to Maddox’s arrest.
Maddox is currently facing $300,000 bail and four felony charges, including traveling with intent to sexually abuse a minor after arranging the meeting through a computer. His defense attorney, James Hill, has stated that Maddox “vehemently denies the charges” and plans to plead not guilty if formal charges are filed. Hill stressed that Maddox is prepared to refute the allegations in court and assert his innocence.
The success of this operation reinforces law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to catch online predators, a concern that continues to grow in the digital age. Maddox’s case will be closely watched, and justice is expected to be served to the full extent of the law.
With information from AP