A 42-year-old Winter Haven pastor has been arrested after Polk County detectives accused him of lewd battery involving a minor, setting up a Tuesday briefing from Sheriff Grady Judd as investigators prepare to release more details. The case places a local church leader and alleged hospice chaplain at the center of a developing criminal investigation.
Pastor Identified In Developing Polk County Case
Timothy Chaneyfield was identified as the pastor of St. James United American Free Will Baptist Church in Winter Haven, and he told detectives he was a chaplain for Compassionate Care Hospice in Lakeland, according to Tampa Bay 28. Detectives charged him with aggravated battery of a minor, interfering with custody of a minor and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, among other charges.
Chaneyfield’s role as pastor at the Winter Haven church was also documented by the Florida Sentinel Bulletin in a 2024 report about a Tampa pastor’s anniversary celebration. The initial arrest report did not detail the alleged conduct, the minor’s age or the circumstances that led investigators to Chaneyfield.
Grady Judd Scheduled To Detail Arrest Tuesday
Judd was scheduled to hold a 10 a.m. press conference Tuesday at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Operations Center in Winter Haven. Tampa Bay 28 said it would attend the event and stream it online as the case develops.
Charges Remain Allegations
Chaneyfield’s arrest is not a finding of guilt, and the allegations must be tested through the court process. The sheriff’s briefing could provide additional information about the alleged battery and the custody and communication-device charges, while prosecutors and the courts determine how the case proceeds.
