Former Red Sox player arrested in Florida for child sexual abuse
Austin Dean Maddox was subdued by law enforcement officers in a video released by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
A former Boston Red Sox pitcher was arrested in an operation against child sexual abuse, Florida police reported Monday.
Austin Dean Maddox was arrested on April 28 and charged with four felonies: traveling to meet a child after using a computer to seduce him; request a child by computer; illegal use of a communication device; and producing or promoting a sexual performance by a child.
According to a video released by the police, Maddox, a reliever who played 15 games with the Red Sox in 2017, was subdued by officers this Monday during the raid. Sheriff TK Waters mentioned Maddox's case and said he intended to have relations with a 14-year-old girl.
It was unclear whether Maddox had an attorney who could discuss the charges, for which he was being held on bail of approximately $300,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, May 28.
A total of 27 men were arrested in the operation, called Operation Brave Knights, which involved local, state and federal law enforcement officials, according to sheriff's officials.
Maddox retired from baseball before the 2020 season. The Minor League Baseball website nicknames him "Madd Dawg."