Florida Pastor Accused of Having Sex with Teen, Not Disclosing HIV Status
Timothy Chaneyfield faces 19 felony counts, including lewd battery of a minor and failing to disclose HIV status to sexual partners.
- On Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced the arrest of Timothy Chaneyfield, a pastor at St. James United American Free Will Baptist Church, on charges involving a 14-year-old boy. Chaneyfield is being held on more than $350,000 bond.
- Investigators allege Chaneyfield used dating apps and Instagram to contact the minor, picking him up from his neighborhood on three consecutive days and transporting him to his Winter Haven home for sexual activity.
- Sheriff Judd stated Chaneyfield is HIV-infected and failed to disclose his status to the victim, calling the suspect a "dope-smoking pedophile preacher" and describing him as "dangerous."
- A 26-year-old male reported contracting HIV after sexual contact with Chaneyfield, prompting Sheriff Judd to urge anyone with prior sexual relationships with the suspect to contact authorities.
- Chaneyfield worked for Polk County Public Schools from about 2012 to 2024 and served as a chaplain for Compassionate Care Hospice, raising concerns officials may identify additional victims during ongoing investigation.
39 Articles
39 Articles
Florida sheriff slams ‘dope-smoking pedophile preacher’ accused of sexually battering teen boy while HIV-positive
A Florida pastor, who previously was a public school employee, is accused of sexually battering a 14-year-old boy. The pastor was hit with several charges, including being an HIV-infected person having sex without informing a partner. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that 42-year-old Timothy Chaneyfield was arrested on July 29. ‘We...
Florida Pastor Arrested After Allegedly Sexually Abusing Boy, 14, He Met on Dating App
A Florida pastor was arrested after he allegedly abused a 14-year-old boy he met on a dating app. St. James United American Free Will Baptist Church in Winter Haven pastor Timothy Chaneyfield was taken into custody after detectives investigated a tip made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said during a press conference on Tuesday, August 4, that the investigation began after detectiv…
HIV-positive pastor shocks community, charged with abuse of 14-year-old boy: 'Jesus don't like that'
An HIV-positive Florida pastor is accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy he met on a dating app, after allegedly going online to target children. The case has left residents shocked and horrified.
Pot smoking Florida pastor accused of having s*x with 14-year-old boy while hiding HIV diagnosis
A Florida pastor stands accused of engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old boy and an adult man while concealing his HIV-positive status, sparking urgent concerns from law enforcement about possible additional victims. According to a report from NBC News, 42-year-old Timothy Chaneyfield of St. James United American Free Will Baptist Church in Winter Haven […]
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