Pastor Arrested After Allegedly Abusing Minor And Hiding HIV Status

(Timothy Chaneyfield. Photo by 21Alive)

A 42-year-old pastor has been arrested on multiple charges following an investigation into alleged abuse of a minor.

The investigation commenced after a cyber tip from a social media platform flagged suspected inappropriate contact between an adult and a child.

During questioning, the alleged victim reported meeting the suspect through an online dating platform before their communications transferred to social media.

Investigators allege that the suspect picked up the child from his neighbourhood on three separate occasions, transported him to his residence, and sexually abused him.

In a recorded phone conversation, the suspect allegedly expressed his desire to continue engaging in sexual relations with the minor and referenced an upcoming work trip to Baltimore.

The suspect held concurrent positions as a chaplain with a hospice organisation and was scheduled to officiate a funeral service.

Authorities obtained an arrest warrant, and with assistance from the local police department, the suspect was apprehended at an international airport on July 29, 2026, upon returning from travel.

During interrogation, he admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the minor.

Investigators established that the suspect is HIV-positive and undergoing treatment.

They allege he concealed his serological status from both the minor and another individual prior to engaging in sexual contact.

The suspect now faces charges including unlawful use of a communication device, travelling to meet a minor, four counts of sexual activity without disclosing HIV-positive status, marijuana possession, and five counts of drug paraphernalia possession.

He is detained pending bond proceedings set at over $350,000.