Florida pastor charged with abusing teen boy and allegedly exposing him to HIV
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Detectives say the pastor contacted the 14-year-old through a dating app before arranging multiple meetings.
A Florida pastor has been arrested after investigators accused him of grooming and sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy, with authorities alleging the encounters also exposed the teenager to HIV.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 43-year-old Timothy Chaneyfield, pastor of St. James United American Free Will Baptist Church, was taken into custody on July 29 following an investigation that began after deputies received a tip through social media.
During a news conference, Sheriff Grady Judd alleged that Chaneyfield contacted the teenager through a dating app before arranging multiple meetings. Investigators claim the pastor picked up the boy and sexually abused him on at least three occasions at his residence.
Sheriff Judd further alleged that Chaneyfield, who authorities say is HIV-positive, failed to disclose his medical status before engaging in unprotected sexual activity with the minor. Law enforcement said the teenager later received preventive medical treatment after learning of the potential exposure.
TMZ, citing remarks made during the sheriff’s public briefing, also reported that investigators are examining allegations involving another individual, a 26-year-old man who told detectives he later tested positive for HIV after a sexual encounter with Chaneyfield. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether that claim has been medically linked to the pastor.
Investigators say they are concerned there could be additional victims. During the briefing, Judd referred to Chaneyfield as a “super spreader” and urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
According to reporting by TMZ, Chaneyfield also served as a chaplain for Compassionate Care Hospice and previously worked for Polk County Public Schools, details investigators disclosed while outlining the scope of the case.
Court records show Chaneyfield is facing multiple felony charges, including lewd battery involving a child, traveling to meet a minor, computer-related offenses, and failing to disclose his HIV status before sexual activity, among other counts.
Chaneyfield remains in custody on a bond exceeding $350,000.