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Florida Pastor Accused Of Sexually Abusing Teen, Failing To Disclose HIV Status
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Florida Pastor Accused Of Sexually Abusing Teen, Failing To Disclose HIV Status
A Florida pastor is behind bars after investigators say he sexually abused a 14-year-old boy he met online and failed to disclose that he is HIV positive before engaging in sexual activity.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 42-year-old Timothy Chaneyfield, pastor of St. James United American Free Will Baptist Church, first contacted the teen through a dating app before continuing conversations on Instagram. Detectives say Chaneyfield picked the boy up from his neighborhood on three occasions, took him to his home, and sexually abused him.
The investigation began after authorities received a cyber tip from Instagram regarding inappropriate communications between an adult and a child.
During the investigation, detectives said Chaneyfield admitted to having sexual contact with the minor. Authorities also learned he serves as a chaplain for Compassionate Care Hospice and had recently traveled to Baltimore for work before being arrested upon returning to Orlando International Airport on July 29.
Investigators later discovered Chaneyfield is HIV positive and allege he failed to inform both the teen and another adult sexual partner of his status before having sex with them. Officials said the teen immediately received preventative medical treatment after learning of the potential exposure.
Sheriff Grady Judd also announced that Chaneyfield faces drug charges after deputies allegedly found marijuana and drug paraphernalia during the investigation.
Chaneyfield has been charged with multiple felonies, including lewd battery involving a minor, traveling to meet a minor, interference with child custody, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, multiple counts related to failing to disclose HIV-positive status before sexual activity, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He remains jailed on a bond exceeding $350,000.
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