Florida pastor charged with abusing teen and concealing HIV status

A Florida pastor is accused of repeatedly having sex with a 14-year-old while hiding his HIV infection, and investigators say other victims may exist.

Timothy Chaneyfield, a pastor at St. James United American Free Will Baptist Church and hospice chaplain, is accused of luring a 14-year-old boy via a dating app and Instagram, then having sex with him three times at his Eagle Creek residence while concealing his HIV-positive condition. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced the investigation after a cyber tip from Instagram and noted that a 26-year-old man reported testing positive for HIV after contact with Chaneyfield.

The minor has been given a preventive drug regimen to avoid infection. Chaneyfield was arrested in Orlando on July 29 and faces charges including lewd battery of a minor, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and having sex as an HIV-infected person without informing the partner. Sheriff Judd warned that the pastor may have been aggressive toward additional victims, both minors and adults. The case underscores concerns about sexual abuse and public-health risks linked to undisclosed HIV status.