In a shocking development, former Boston Red Sox pitcher Austin Maddox has been apprehended as part of a major child predator sting operation in Jacksonville, Florida. The 33-year-old was taken into custody by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office on April 28, after engaging in online conversations with individuals he believed to be underage girls.

Little did Maddox know that he was speaking with undercover detectives, who skillfully posed as underage girls to investigate and expose predators. In a video released on Monday, May 20, Maddox can be seen being apprehended by a group of officers as he exits his red pickup truck. According to a voiceover on the video, Maddox resisted arrest, but was subdued after a K-9 unit was deployed.

Maddox now faces four felony charges, including traveling to meet a minor after using a computer to seduce, solicit, or lure a child, as well as solicitation of a child via computer to engage in sexual conduct. This grave offense could result in severe consequences for the former athlete.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office revealed that Maddox was one of 27 men who believed they were chatting online with underage girls, but were actually communicating with undercover detectives. On Monday, the Sheriff's Office shared via Facebook, "27 men thought they were chatting online with underage girls. Instead, they were talking to our detectives."

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters explained during a Monday police briefing that the objective of this operation was to identify and arrest individuals who solicit children for sexual acts using electronic devices. Undercover detectives posed as children and engaged in online chats with these adults, who subsequently solicited sexual activity with the supposed minors. Once the adults arrived at the arranged meeting locations, they were promptly arrested.

Waters further revealed that Maddox had traveled to meet a purported 14-year-old child with the intent of engaging in sexual activity. This information, along with the seriousness of the charges, led the authorities to set a bond for Maddox at just over $300,000. His next court date is scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, at the Duval County Courthouse.

This disturbing incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and internet safety, as well as the need for law enforcement agencies to continue their efforts in cracking down on child predators. The swift and successful operation by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office demonstrates their dedication to protecting vulnerable children from potential harm.