JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 65-year-old Jacksonville pastor was arrested June 22 on charges of sexual battery and lewd molestation involving two juvenile victims, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Anthony Doyle is listed as a pastor at Friendship Primitive Baptist Church, according to the arrest report.
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The charges
Doyle faces two separate charges. The first is one count of sexual battery — victim over 12 but under 18 by a custodian without consent — a first-degree felony. The second is one count of lewd/lascivious molestation — offender 18 or older, victim 12 or older but under 16 — a second-degree felony.
Molestation charge
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. According to the arrest report, the victim disclosed that Doyle grabbed his butt under his clothing and kissed him on the neck and cheek.
During a recorded interview, the victim told investigators that Doyle began a pattern of grooming behavior by giving him approximately $20 after every church service, telling him, “You’re my favorite.”
The victim said the contact escalated over time, with Doyle inviting him to his office or the church’s dining hall after services when no one else was around. The last incident, the victim said, involved contact under his clothing — at which point he decided not to return to the church.
A witness also told investigators that Doyle had contacted her, concerned that the victim was no longer attending church. According to the report, Doyle asked her to allow the victim to spend the night at his home so he would not miss services — a request she refused.
During a controlled call conducted by investigators, Doyle admitted to kissing and hugging the victim, but said the contact was “only in a loving nonsexual manner” and denied any sexual advances.
Sexual battery investigation
The lewd molestation case prompted investigators to reopen a separate 2022 sexual battery case.
According to the arrest report, the earlier investigation involved a male high school student. At the time of the reported offense — between June 1, 2021, and Jan. 3, 2022 — Doyle was working as a security guard at the school and leading an afterschool mentorship program called “5000 Role Models.”
Investigators say Doyle used his role in the program to build a relationship with the victim before luring him to a residence in Jacksonville under the pretense of providing paperwork. The victim told investigators he was forced into a bedroom and sexually battered. Doyle allegedly threatened to kill the victim if he told anyone and gave him $150 upon leaving, according to court documents.
Doyle denies allegations
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.
During the interview, Doyle denied any wrongdoing in the 2022 sexual battery case. According to the arrest report, he stated the alleged victim is a liar and that he never did anything sexual with him.
In the lewd molestation case, Doyle admitted to kissing the victim on the cheek and said he may have brushed against his buttocks while giving him a hug. He claimed the victim is reporting this because he is not getting what he wants.
Doyle was subsequently placed under arrest based on the totality of circumstances — including statements from both alleged victims, according to police.
News4JAX has reached out to the Friendship Primitive Baptist Church Wednesday afternoon and left a message. This story will be updated when we receive a response.