Thursday, 6 August 2026, 16:41
A Florida pastor is in jail after authorities say he had sex with a 14-year-old boy and an adult man without telling either about his HIV diagnosis. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd called Timothy Chaneyfield a "dope-smoking pedophile preacher" and warned that other victims likely exist.
Chaneyfield, pastor of St. James United American Free Will Baptist Church in Winter Haven, was arrested after landing at Orlando International Airport on July 29. Detectives said the suspect and the teenage victim first connected on a dating app. The conversation later moved to Instagram, leading to three separate meetings for sex.
Tips from Instagram and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children helped identify Chaneyfield as the suspect. Sheriff Judd told reporters on Tuesday that a 26-year-old man who also had sex with Chaneyfield was found and later tested positive for HIV. Neither partner knew about the pastor's HIV status.
Chaneyfield is booked on suspicion of 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 having sex as an HIV-infected person without informing the partner, possession of marijuana, and five counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Deputies tried to arrest Chaneyfield earlier in Baltimore, where he had gone to lead a funeral. Sheriff Judd said his office received "zero assistance" from Maryland authorities, though the Maryland Transportation Authority Police later disputed that claim. They said officers responded to the airport but the flight had already been cancelled and de-boarded an hour before their arrival.
Chaneyfield also worked as chaplain for Compassionate Care Hospice in Lakeland and was previously employed as a substitute teacher at Crystal Lake Middle School. The national United American Freewill Baptist Conference said the Winter Haven church is not affiliated with its governing body.
Sheriff Judd urged anyone who had sexual contact with Chaneyfield to come forward so they can be informed of his HIV status. "I would be shocked if there weren't other child victims out there," he said.
This case is being covered by NBC 7 San Diego because of its national significance. The story highlights how online platforms can be used to target minors, a concern for families across California. Local authorities encourage parents to monitor their children's app usage and report suspicious interactions.
Florida law specifically criminalizes sexual activity by an HIV-positive person without disclosing that status to partners. This statute has been used in many cases across the state. Cases involving clergy members accused of abuse have also prompted churches nationwide to review their child protection policies.
The investigation remains open. Sheriff Judd believes more victims exist. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office. This case is a stark reminder of the dangers that can hide behind trusted community figures.
