Authorities in Florida have arrested a pastor accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy and exposing him to HIV without disclosing his status. Timothy Chaneyfield, 42, pastor at St. James United American Free Will Baptist Church in Polk County, was taken into custody on July 29, 2026, upon returning to Orlando International Airport. The arrest followed a cyber tip from Instagram that flagged inappropriate interactions between an adult and a minor.
Investigation and Arrest Details
The Polk County Sheriff's Office Special Victims Unit led the investigation. Sheriff Grady Judd confirmed that the cyber tip triggered a probe, during which the 14-year-old victim disclosed meeting Chaneyfield on a dating app before continuing conversations on Instagram. Investigators allege Chaneyfield picked up the boy from his neighborhood three times, took him to his home, and sexually abused him on each occasion.
During a phone call with the victim, Chaneyfield reportedly expressed a desire to continue the relationship and mentioned traveling to Baltimore for work. Detectives later learned Chaneyfield served as a chaplain for Compassionate Care Hospice and was scheduled to officiate a funeral there. A warrant was issued, and with assistance from the Orlando Police Department, Chaneyfield was arrested at the airport.
Admission and HIV Status
In an interview after his arrest, Chaneyfield admitted to sexual activity with the minor. A separate investigation revealed that a man had reported having sex with Chaneyfield and later discovered he was HIV positive. Detectives confirmed Chaneyfield's HIV-positive status, noting he was taking medication but had not informed either the man or the child about his condition.
Sheriff Judd emphasized the severity, stating, "This is a dope-smoking preacher right here in front of you. He's a dope-smoking pedophile preacher right before you." The sheriff also confirmed that the child immediately received medical treatment to prevent HIV infection after learning of the exposure.
Charges and Bond
Chaneyfield faces multiple charges: 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 a partner, possession of marijuana, and five counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. He is held on a bond exceeding $350,000.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about online predator behavior and the importance of cyber tips in safeguarding minors. The Polk County Sheriff's Office urges parents to monitor online activities and report suspicious interactions.
