A pastor from Florida has been arrested following allegations of sexual abuse involving a 14-year-old boy he reportedly met via a dating app. Timothy Chaneyfield, 42 years old and the pastor of St. James United American Free Will Baptist Church in Winter Haven, was taken into custody after an investigation was launched based on a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
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During a news conference held on August 4, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd outlined the unfolding events. The inquiry was triggered by a report of inappropriate online communication between an adult and a juvenile. Sheriff Judd explained, “We received a cyber tip from Instagram that there was illicit, inappropriate activity between an adult and a child.”
Detectives identified the conversations leading to Chaneyfield and the 14-year-old, revealing that they originally connected through a dating application before continuing their exchanges on Instagram. Authorities claim that these online interactions resulted in three in-person meetings. According to reports, the boy met Chaneyfield outside his subdivision on three consecutive days, after which they drove to the pastor’s residence in Winter Haven, where the alleged sexual acts occurred.
In a phone call following these meetings, Chaneyfield indicated his desire to continue engaging in sexual activities with the minor and mentioned an upcoming work trip to Baltimore. This business trip, a role in which Chaneyfield served as a chaplain for Compassionate Care Hospice, ultimately led to his arrest. He was apprehended by detectives with the assistance of the Orlando Police Department upon his return to Orlando International Airport on July 29.
Authorities claim that Chaneyfield admitted to detectives that he had carried out sexual activities with the boy and was subsequently transferred to the Polk County Jail on August 1. Furthermore, as the investigation progressed, another alleged victim emerged. An adult man reported having had sexual contact with Chaneyfield and later discovered he was HIV-positive. Investigators alleged that Chaneyfield had failed to inform either the adult or the underage victim of his HIV status prior to their encounters.
At the press conference, Sheriff Judd emphasised the urgency of the situation. “We prayed that our work was fast enough, because we got the 14-year-old victim the HIV cocktail. We stopped this child from being infected,” he stated, highlighting the efforts taken to ensure the boy’s health and well-being.
Chaneyfield is facing multiple charges including three counts of lewd battery involving a minor, three counts of interfering with custody of a minor, and three counts of travelling to meet a minor. Additionally, he faces charges for unlawful use of a two-way communication device, four counts related to engaging in sexual activity without disclosing his HIV-positive status, possession of marijuana, and five counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Chaneyfield’s bail is set at over £350,000.
It has come to light that Chaneyfield previously worked within the Polk County School District, holding roles as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher, before ascending to the position of lead pastor at his church. Investigators have expressed concerns that there may be more victims and are urging anyone with additional information to reach out to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Judd concluded by stressing the need to protect the community. “We don’t want this evil man ever to be outside of prison again, because if he is, I can assure you that pedophiles don’t change their personality or their wants or their needs,” he stated emphatically.
In the UK, anyone who suspects abuse or knows someone who has experienced it is encouraged to contact relevant authorities or support organisations for help. The experience shared by the victims in this case highlights the importance of vigilance and the need for protective measures in communities to prevent such incidents.