Elder of Anti-Gay Church Arrested, Accused of Soliciting Men with Promises of Payment on Grindr

57-year-old Barry Cole Poyner was an elder at the anti-LGBTQ Kirksville Church of Christ in Kirksville, Missouri, and a Truman State University professor. Media sources report that Poyner was also a Grindr user who sought sexual favors from young men, promising them forms of compensation such as gift cards and gasoline fill-ups under the handle "DILF."

Poyner was arrested after a sting operation in which he propositioned an undercover police officer posing as a young man in college. Reports local newspaper the Kirksville Daily Express, the church elder "has been charged with a class B misdemeanor count of patronizing prostitution."

The newspaper detailed that " 'DILF' had told the undercover officer that he wanted to have a 'sugar daddy relationship' and asked for sexual favors in exchange for filling up the officer's gas tank and giving him an Arby's gift card."

Then came the in-person meeting - from which 'DILF," the newspaper account said, "tried to flee but pulled over soon after, claiming he was just 'trying to help' kids out."

Poynter's name swiftly vanished from the website of the church, where, as one of a trio of church elders, he had reportedly "coordinated numerous events from vacation bible schools to marriage counseling."

Pointer was also suspended from his teaching duties at the university, reports Friendly Atheist.

The university stated that "He has been placed on suspension and informed that he is not allowed on campus, cannot have contact with any student organizations or participate in any campus events or activities."

Noted the Daily Express: "According to court documents, Poyner faces up to six months in prison and/or a fine up to $1,000 if convicted."

A tip to the university's police department led to the sting, media accounts said.