A Florida pastor has been arrested after authorities accused him of sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy and allegedly exposing him to HIV without disclosing his medical status.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Timothy Chaneyfield, serves as a pastor at St. James United American Free Will Baptist Church and was arrested by detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit.
Authorities said the investigation began after they received a cyber tip from Instagram regarding alleged inappropriate communication between an adult and a child.
According to investigators, the teenage victim revealed that he met Chaneyfield through a dating application before their conversations continued on Instagram. Police alleged that the communication later became inappropriate and led to several encounters.
During the investigation, detectives said Chaneyfield allegedly picked up the teenager from his neighbourhood on three different occasions and took him to his home, where the alleged abuse occurred.
Authorities stated that during a phone conversation with the teenager, Chaneyfield allegedly expressed a desire to continue the sexual relationship. Investigators said the suspect also informed the boy that he was travelling to Baltimore for work.
Police later discovered that Chaneyfield was also working as a chaplain with Compassionate Care Hospice and was scheduled to officiate a funeral before his arrest.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, detectives from the Special Victims Unit launched the investigation after receiving a cyber tip regarding alleged inappropriate communication between an adult and a minor. More information about the sheriff’s office and its child protection efforts is available on the official Polk County Sheriff’s Office website.
Following the investigation, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Chaneyfield. With assistance from the Orlando Police Department, he was taken into custody when he returned to Orlando International Airport on July 29, 2026.
According to the sheriff’s office, Chaneyfield admitted during questioning that he had engaged in sexual activity with the minor.
The investigation also uncovered another troubling allegation involving Chaneyfield’s HIV status.
Authorities said another man reported that he had sexual contact with Chaneyfield and later discovered that the pastor was HIV positive. Investigators confirmed that Chaneyfield has HIV and is receiving medical treatment.
However, police alleged that he failed to inform both the adult partner and the teenage victim about his HIV status before engaging in sexual activity.
After authorities learned about the situation, officials said the teenage victim was immediately provided with medical treatment to reduce the risk of infection.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd condemned the allegations and described the case as extremely serious, stating that the suspect’s position as a religious leader made the accusations even more disturbing.
“This is a dope-smoking preacher right here in front of you,” Judd said while addressing the case. “He’s a dope-smoking pedophile preacher right before you.”
Authorities have filed multiple charges against Chaneyfield, including three counts of lewd battery involving a minor, three counts of interfering with custody of a minor, three counts of travelling to meet a minor, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and four counts related to an HIV-infected person having sexual contact without informing a partner.
He is also facing additional charges connected to alleged drug-related offences, including possession of marijuana and multiple counts of possessing drug paraphernalia.
Chaneyfield is currently being held on a bond exceeding $350,000 as the legal process continues.
The case has drawn significant attention because of the allegations involving a religious leader, child safety concerns, and the issue of HIV disclosure.
Health officials note that prompt medical treatment after possible HIV exposure can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Information about HIV prevention, testing, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can be found on the official U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HIV Resources website.
Authorities have continued urging parents and guardians to monitor online interactions involving minors, especially when adults attempt to establish private relationships with young people through social media platforms and dating applications.
Law enforcement officials said the investigation remains active and encouraged anyone with additional information related to Chaneyfield to come forward.
The allegations against Chaneyfield remain accusations, and he will have the opportunity to respond through the legal system. A criminal charge does not represent a final determination of guilt unless proven in court.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about online safety, exploitation of minors, and the responsibility of adults to protect vulnerable individuals from harm.
