A Florida pastor faces serious criminal charges after authorities say he engaged in sexual activity with a minor and an adult without disclosing his HIV-positive status, raising concerns among investigators about potential additional victims.
Timothy Chaneyfield, 42, who served as pastor of St. James United American Free Will Baptist Church in Winter Haven, was taken into custody at Orlando International Airport on July 29 following an investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
According to investigators, Chaneyfield initiated contact with a 14-year-old boy through a dating application before moving their communications to Instagram. The contact allegedly led to three separate meetings during which sexual activity occurred. The investigation began after tips were received from Instagram and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Sheriff Grady Judd disclosed during a Tuesday press conference that a 26-year-old man who also had sexual contact with Chaneyfield has tested positive for HIV. Neither the adult nor the minor had been informed of Chaneyfield’s HIV-positive status prior to their encounters, according to investigators.
“The 26-year-old did not know until we brought it to his attention, and the 14-year-old had no understanding that he was having unprotected sex with an adult who was HIV-positive,” Sheriff Judd stated.
The arrest was delayed by several days as Chaneyfield was in Baltimore conducting a funeral service. Authorities attempted to coordinate with Maryland law enforcement but reported receiving no assistance. The suspect was apprehended upon his return to Florida.
Chaneyfield has been charged with 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, and four counts of engaging in sexual activity as an HIV-infected person without informing his partner. Additional charges include possession of marijuana and five counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.
The case presents particular concern given Chaneyfield’s positions of trust within the community. In addition to his pastoral duties, he served as chaplain for Compassionate Care Hospice in Lakeland and had previously worked as a substitute teacher at Crystal Lake Middle School.
Sheriff Judd expressed serious concern about the possibility of additional victims, noting that Chaneyfield maintained an active presence in the community and held positions that afforded him access to vulnerable populations.
“He was well-respected in the community. People trusted him and believed in him,” Judd said, urging anyone who may have had contact with the suspect to come forward.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify any additional victims who may have been exposed to risk through contact with the accused. The case underscores the vulnerability of minors in the digital age and the particular breach of trust when those in positions of religious or educational authority exploit their standing for criminal purposes.
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