A St. Louis man will spend the next 20 years in prison after admitting he sexually assaulted and robbed two men he met through dating apps in the Lindenwood Park neighborhood, prosecutors say.
Arthur Kinnard Jr., 37, pleaded guilty to multiple felonies, including second-degree sodomy and second-degree robbery, and received a two-decade sentence from a judge. The crimes happened at a residence in Lindenwood Park, according to a press release from the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office.
In case number 2422-CR01024, prosecutors say Kinnard admitted 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. The Circuit Attorney’s Office says the 20-year sentence followed directly from his guilty plea.
How prosecutors say he lured and attacked victims
According to prosecutors, Kinnard used social-media dating apps to set up meetings at the Lindenwood Park home, then turned on his guests once they arrived.
A 35-year-old man reported that on December 14, 2023, Kinnard threatened him with bear mace and then sexually assaulted him. A 23-year-old man told police that on January 23, 2024, Kinnard again used threats with mace, sexually assaulted him, and stole a necklace and cash. Those details were reported by First Alert 4.
Prosecutor's message
Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore used the case to send a warning about the risks that can come with online dating. In the office’s press release, he said, “Dating applications are now commonly used for people to connect, but have also created opportunities for offenders to victimize unsuspecting people.”
The office said it plans to stay aggressive in prosecuting people who use social-media platforms to hunt for victims, calling Kinnard’s case an example of that approach. The full statement was released by the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office.
Case background
The case grew out of the two reported attacks in December 2023 and January 2024. Media coverage at the time noted that Kinnard was arrested and charged in early 2024.
Earlier reporting from First Alert 4 shows that Kinnard initially faced a slate of more serious counts, including first-degree sodomy, first-degree robbery, first-degree kidnapping, and armed criminal action. Those original charges were resolved through the plea deal that led to his 20-year sentence.
The sentence closes out the Lindenwood Park prosecutions against Kinnard and keeps him out of the neighborhood for a long stretch. Prosecutors say the outcome highlights both the danger posed by predators using dating apps and the office’s determination to hold those offenders accountable.
