ST. LOUIS, MO  (June 26, 2026) — Arthur Kinnard Jr., 37, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Friday after pleading guilty to two counts of second-degree sodomy, two counts of second-degree robbery, third-degree assault, and two counts of recklessly exposing another to an infectious disease. Kinnard targeted men through social media dating applications, sexually assaulted them, and robbed them at a residence in the City's Lindenwood Park neighborhood.

On December 14, 2023, a 35-year-old man told investigators that he met Kinnard at a residence in the 7000 block of Nottingham Avenue after communicating through a social media application. The victim reported that Kinnard sexually assaulted him despite repeated objections. When the victim pushed Kinnard away, Kinnard brandished a can of bear mace and demanded money.

On January 23, 2024, a 23-year-old man reported meeting Kinnard at the same residence after communicating through a social media application. When the victim attempted to leave, Kinnard prevented him from doing so, threatened him with bear mace, and forcibly subjected him to oral and anal sex. Kinnard also stole the victim's necklace and money.

"Dating applications are now commonly used for people to connect, but have also created opportunities for offenders to victimize unsuspecting people,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. “We will remain vigilant in our prosecution of those who use these platforms to prey on victims."

Special Victims Unit Supervisor Kayla Womble and Assistant Circuit Attorney Aradhana Polley prosecuted the case.

The defendant's case number is 2422-CR01024.