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A 65-year-old Jacksonville pastor faces serious felony charges after being arrested June 22 on allegations of sexual battery and lewd molestation involving two juvenile victims, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office confirmed. FL Pastor Anthony Doyle Arrested on Child Sex Charges Involving Friendship Primitive Baptist Church Victims and School Mentorship Program.
Anthony Doyle is listed as a pastor at Friendship Primitive Baptist Church. He now faces two separate criminal charges: one count of sexual battery — victim over 12 but under 18 by a custodian without consent, a first-degree felony — and one count of lewd/lascivious molestation involving a victim 12 or older but under 16, a second-degree felony.
On May 28, a JSO detective was assigned to investigate a lewd molestation allegation involving Doyle and a juvenile victim at Friendship Primitive Baptist Church. The victim disclosed that Doyle grabbed him under his clothing and kissed him on the neck and cheek.
During a recorded interview, the victim described a pattern of grooming behavior in which Doyle gave him approximately $20 after every church service and repeatedly told him, "You're my favorite." The victim said contact escalated over time, with Doyle inviting him to his office or the church's dining hall after services when no one else was present. The final incident — involving contact under his clothing — led the victim to stop attending the church entirely.
A witness separately told investigators that Doyle had contacted her, expressing concern that the victim was no longer coming to services. Doyle asked her to allow the victim to spend the night at his home so he would not miss church — a request she declined.
During a controlled call with investigators, Doyle acknowledged kissing and hugging the victim but characterized the contact as "only in a loving nonsexual manner," denying any sexual advances.
The lewd molestation investigation prompted detectives to reopen a separate 2022 sexual battery case involving a male high school student. At the time of the reported offense — between June 1, 2021, and January 3, 2022 — Doyle was working as a security guard at the school and leading an afterschool mentorship program called "5000 Role Models."
Investigators allege Doyle used his position in that program to build a relationship with the victim before luring him to a Jacksonville residence under the pretense of providing paperwork. The victim told investigators he was forced into a bedroom and sexually battered. According to court documents, Doyle allegedly threatened to kill the victim if he told anyone and gave him $150 upon leaving.
On June 22, 2026, Doyle voluntarily came to the Police Memorial Building, where he was read his constitutional rights, signed a rights acknowledgment form, and agreed to speak with detectives without an attorney present.
Doyle denied any wrongdoing in the 2022 sexual battery case, calling the alleged victim a liar and stating he never engaged in any sexual conduct with him.
In the lewd molestation case, Doyle acknowledged kissing the victim on the cheek and said he may have brushed against his buttocks while hugging him. He claimed the victim was making the report because he was not getting what he wanted.
Detectives placed Doyle under arrest based on the totality of circumstances, including statements from both alleged victims.
News4JAX reached out to Friendship Primitive Baptist Church on Wednesday afternoon and left a message. This story will be updated when a response is received.
The factual information above was sourced from news4jax.com as of July 2, 2026.
The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.
When a child is sexually abused by a pastor or church leader, families are often left devastated, confused, and unsure where to turn. The betrayal of trust that comes with abuse by a religious authority figure can make an already unimaginable situation feel even more isolating. Yet Florida law provides survivors and their families with real, concrete legal options — both criminal and civil — that many people never know exist. Our team sat down with Miami-based sexual abuse attorney Michael Haggard to walk families through what those options look like, what institutions can be held accountable, and why coming forward sooner rather than later can make all the difference.
Editor Darla Medina: When a teenager is molested by a pastor or church leader, what are the first legal steps a family should take?
Attorney Michael Haggard: The very first thing is to report it to law enforcement — immediately. A criminal investigation needs to happen, and that process protects the child and creates an official record. At the same time, families should consult a civil attorney because the criminal case and a civil lawsuit are two entirely separate paths that can run at the same time.
Medina: Can the church itself be held legally responsible, not just the individual who committed the abuse?
Haggard: Absolutely. In Florida, institutions — including churches — can be held liable if they knew or should have known that someone in their organization posed a risk to children and failed to act. If there were prior complaints, warning signs that were ignored, or inadequate screening and supervision, the church can face significant civil liability. The individual perpetrator is not the only party that may be accountable here.
Medina: What about statutes of limitations? Parents sometimes worry that too much time has passed before their child comes forward.
Haggard: This is one of the most important things for families to understand. Florida has made meaningful changes to its laws in recent years to give survivors more time to come forward. For sexual abuse of a minor, the clock generally does not start running until the victim turns 18. Families should not assume it is too late without speaking to an attorney first — that assumption has cost real survivors their chance at justice.
Medina: What kind of damages can a family recover through a civil lawsuit?
Haggard: Civil cases can cover a wide range of damages — medical and psychological treatment costs, therapy, pain and suffering, and in cases where an institution acted with particular recklessness, punitive damages may also be available. The goal of a civil case is to make the survivor as whole as possible and to hold every responsible party financially accountable.
Medina: What would you say to a family that is hesitant to come forward because they fear no one will believe them?
Haggard: I would tell them that the legal system exists precisely for moments like this. Grooming behavior, patterns of isolation, and the use of authority to silence victims are well documented and well understood by experienced investigators and attorneys. Families should not carry this alone. There are people in this system who know how to fight for these children, and coming forward — even when it feels impossible — is often the most powerful thing a family can do.
If your child has been sexually abused by a pastor, church leader, or any person in a position of authority, you do not have to navigate this fight without support. The Legal Herald is here to connect you with an experienced sexual abuse attorney who can review your case, explain your rights, and help your family understand every option available — at no cost and with no obligation. Time matters in these cases, and one conversation could change everything. Contact today for your free, confidential consultation.
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