JACKSONVILLE, Fla (WFLA) — A former Crimson Sox participant was arrested in Jacksonville after he was allegedly caught attempting to fulfill a minor for intercourse, in line with Sheriff T.Okay. Waters.

Monday, Waters introduced the arrest of 27 males in an undercover anti-child predator sting referred to as “Operation Valiant Knights,” which lasted from April 24 to April 28.

“These adults solicited sexual exercise and dedicated to partaking in intercourse acts with purported minors at pre-arranged areas,” the sheriff mentioned.

Waters mentioned that among the many quite a few arrests was a former Crimson Sox pitcher, 33-year-old Jacksonville native Austin Maddox.

The sheriff accused Maddox of touring “with the intent of partaking in sexual exercise with a 14-year-old baby.”

Video launched by the sheriff’s workplace confirmed Maddox exiting a crimson truck as he approached a house. Nonetheless, as a substitute of a minor, a bunch of deputies greeted Maddox by tackling to the bottom.

In response to his inmate profile, Maddox was charged with touring to fulfill after utilizing a pc to seduce/solicit/lure a toddler, solicitation of a kid through pc to have interaction in sexual conduct, illegal use of two-way communication gadget, and produce/promote efficiency which incorporates sexual efficiency by a toddler.

Maddox as soon as performed for the Crimson Sox from 2017 to 2019 and formally retired from skilled baseball in 2020.