NewsWFLA (NBC 8) — Local NewsAugust 4, 2026Hillsborough
Polk County Sheriff's Office arrests Winter Haven pastor for sexual misconduct with a minor
A 42-year-old Winter Haven pastor was arrested following an investigation into allegations of sexual contact with a 14-year-old boy and failure to disclose an HIV-positive status. The arrest was initiated after the Polk County Sheriff's Office received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Endangered Children.
Read the full story at WFLA (NBC 8) — Local NewsWhy It Matters
This case involves criminal charges against a local religious leader regarding the safety of a minor and public health disclosure requirements.
Key Facts
- A 42-year-old pastor from Winter Haven was arrested by Polk County deputies.
- The suspect is accused of having sexual contact with a 14-year-old boy.
- The suspect is accused of failing to disclose his HIV-positive status to the victim.
- The investigation began following a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Endangered Children (NCMEC).
- The arrest occurred during the winter season.
Who's Mentioned
organizationCompassionate Care Hospice“Employer where Chaneyfield served as a chaplain”organizationPolk County Sheriff’s Office“Law enforcement agency conducting the investigation”personGrady Judd“Polk County Sheriff”locationWinter Haven“City where the suspect resided and served”personTimothy Chaneyfield“42-year-old pastor and hospice chaplain arrested on criminal charges”organizationSt. James United American Free Will Baptist Church“Church where Chaneyfield served as pastor”organizationNational Center for Missing and Endangered Children“Provided the initial cyber tip”other14“Age of the victim.”organizationPolk County Sheriff's Office“The law enforcement agency that conducted the investigation and made the arrest.”other42“Age of the suspect.”