A Florida pastor was apprehended late last month on multiple felony charges, including allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor and failing to disclose his HIV-positive status. Authorities stated that Timothy Chaneyfield, 42, a pastor at St. James United American Free Will Baptist Church in Winter Haven, Florida, engaged in sexual activity with a 14-year-old boy and an adult male without informing them of his HIV status.
Pastor’s Arrest and Background
Law enforcement officials took Chaneyfield into custody on July 29 as he disembarked a flight at Orlando International Airport. According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, officers had previously attempted to apprehend Chaneyfield in Baltimore, where he was on work-related travel, but were unable to coordinate with local authorities there. Sheriff Judd revealed these details during a press conference held on a Tuesday.
The sheriff indicated that Chaneyfield has served as a pastor since approximately 2020. His professional background also includes roles as a chaplain for Compassionate Care Hospice of Lakeland and a former substitute teacher within the county’s school system. This multifaceted career history has raised concerns among law enforcement regarding potential victims across different community sectors.
Allegations of Abuse and Non-Disclosure
Sheriff Judd detailed allegations that Chaneyfield connected with the underage boy through a dating application. Communications reportedly transitioned to Instagram, where Chaneyfield is accused of arranging three separate in-person meetings for sexual encounters with the minor. “On those three different occasions he wasn’t preaching… but he was messing around,” Judd stated, adding that the meetings allegedly took place near the boy’s residence.
The investigation was initiated after authorities received a tip via Instagram concerning “illicit activity” involving an adult and a child. While the precise origin of the tip was not disclosed, Sheriff Judd confirmed that Chaneyfield confessed to the sexual acts with the minor and exhibited what investigators described as “no remorse.”
Crucially, Chaneyfield is HIV-positive, a fact he allegedly did not disclose to the minor. Sheriff Judd emphasized the urgency of the investigation, stating that police acted swiftly to mitigate the risk of the child contracting HIV. Furthermore, a 26-year-old man who reported having had sexual relations with Chaneyfield has since tested positive for HIV. Sheriff Judd characterized Chaneyfield as a potential “super spreader” of the virus, expressing concern that other individuals might have been infected.
Law Enforcement’s Concerns and Charges
Sheriff Judd described Chaneyfield’s alleged behavior as aggressive in his pursuit of both adults and minors. “This guy’s nasty. He’s a menace to society, and he’s proven that,” Judd remarked during the press conference. The sheriff voiced strong suspicions that there may be additional child victims, given Chaneyfield’s alleged activities.
The charges filed against Timothy Chaneyfield are extensive and include:
- Three counts of lewd battery of a minor
- Three counts of interfering with custody of a minor
- Unlawful use of a two-way communication device
- Three counts of traveling to meet a minor
- Four counts of an HIV-infected person having sex without informing their partner
- Possession of cannabis
- Five counts of possession of drug paraphernalia
Chaneyfield is currently being held at the Polk County Jail. Sheriff Judd described him as an individual who allegedly “took advantage” of vulnerable individuals, including children and members of his congregation. “I would be shocked if there weren’t other children victims out there. He was very active. He was very engaged,” Judd told reporters.
Public Appeal for Information
In light of the ongoing investigation and the potential for more victims, Sheriff Judd issued an appeal to the public. He urged anyone who may have engaged in sexual relations with Timothy Chaneyfield to come forward and report to the police. Additionally, individuals who believe they may have been exposed are advised to seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room. This call for information aims to identify any further victims and ensure they receive necessary medical care and support.
The case underscores the serious implications of sexual misconduct, particularly when compounded by the non-disclosure of HIV status, highlighting the critical need for public awareness and swift law enforcement action to protect vulnerable populations.
