Former Red Sox, Gators star sentenced to 3 years for child sex attempt

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Austin Dean Maddox starred as a catcher and relief pitcher at the University of Florida on three College World Series teams and debuted with the Boston Red Sox in 2017.

Eight years later he was quoted in an arrest report telling an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old girl online that “Daddy gonna own that tonight.” Much of the conversation was too graphic for the Times-Union to print, but he acknowledged she wasn’t even old enough to drive.

He was arrested on April 28, 2024, by a Jacksonville SWAT team when investigators said he showed up to meet the girl for sex.

On Sept. 11 the 34-year-old from Macclenny pleaded guilty to charges of traveling to meet a minor to do unlawful acts and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.

As part of the agreement, prosecutors dropped a charge of soliciting a child via computer. A fourth charge of producing/promoting performance which includes sexual performance by a child younger than 18 was already dropped on May 22, 2024, according to court records

Judge Lindsay Tygart sentenced Maddox to three years in prison with credit for 501 days of time already served, followed by five years of sex offender probation and multiple other conditions, per the negotiated plea agreement. He had faced up to five years in prison.

Maddox responded, “Yes, ma’am,” each time to the judge’s questions assuring he understands his plea.

Maddox was among 27 men arrested in the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s five-day Operation Valiant Knights sting targeting men who prey on children. The Sheriff’s Office included video of his takedown as six officers tackled him while awaiting his arrival.

Maddox was initially drafted in the 37th round out of Eagle’s View Academy in Jacksonville by the Tampa Bay Rays but opted to play at the University of Florida where he starred as a catcher and reliever and was a two-time third-team All-American, 2010 SEC Freshman of the Year and played on three College World Series teams.

He was then drafted in the third round of the 2012 MLB draft by the Boston Red Sox. There he only played 13 games in 2017 but had a 0.52 earned run average.

In high school, Maddox batted over .500 his last three seasons with the Warriors, led them to two state championships and was named the Times-Union’s All-First Coast Baseball Player of the Year.

This story was first published by the Florida Times-Union.