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'Pedophile Preacher': Winter Haven Pastor Accused of Having Sex with Teen, Not Disclosing HIV Status
Timothy Chaneyfield faces 19 felony counts, including lewd battery of a minor and failing to disclose HIV status to sexual partners.
- On Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced the arrest of Timothy Chaneyfield, a pastor at St. James United American Free Will Baptist Church, on charges involving a 14-year-old boy. Chaneyfield is being held on more than $350,000 bond.
- Investigators allege Chaneyfield used dating apps and Instagram to contact the minor, picking him up from his neighborhood on three consecutive days and transporting him to his Winter Haven home for sexual activity.
- Sheriff Judd stated Chaneyfield is HIV-infected and failed to disclose his status to the victim, calling the suspect a "dope-smoking pedophile preacher" and describing him as "dangerous."
- A 26-year-old male reported contracting HIV after sexual contact with Chaneyfield, prompting Sheriff Judd to urge anyone with prior sexual relationships with the suspect to contact authorities.
- Chaneyfield worked for Polk County Public Schools from about 2012 to 2024 and served as a chaplain for Compassionate Care Hospice, raising concerns officials may identify additional victims during ongoing investigation.
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Florida Pastor Timothy Chaneyfield Arrested For Alleged Sexual Abuse And Exposing 14-Year-Old Boy To HIV
A Florida Pastor was arrested on Wednesday, July 29, in Orlando for allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old boy. Furthermore, the pastor, Timothy Chaneyfield, is reportedly HIV positive and exposed the teenager to the virus.RELATED: Florida Mom Arrested & Charged After Three Children Reportedly Found Living In Home Covered With FecesFlorida Pastor Exposes 14-Year-Old Boy To HIVTimothy Chaneyfield is a pastor at St. James United American Free Wil…
NBC Dallas-Fort WorthReposted by 
NBC Miami
NBC MiamiFlorida pastor accused of having sex with 14-year-old boy while hiding HIV diagnosis
The pastor allegedly had sex with at least one underage boy and an adult man without telling them he was HIV positive, Florida officials said.
·Fort Worth, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources25
Leaning Left6Leaning Right4Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 30%
C 50%
R 20%
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