





A Truman State University professor and elder with the vehemently anti-LGBTQ Kirksville Church of Christ is facing a misdemeanor prostitution charge amid allegations he sought sexual favors from male college students.

Barry Cole Poyner, 57, of Kirksville, has been charged with a class B misdemeanor count of patronizing prostitution. He faces up to six months in prison and/or a fine up to $1,000 if convicted.

According to court documents, the Truman State University Police Department received a tip that Poyner has been “harassing male Truman students for sexual contact as well as offering to pay for items for sexual favors by using the app Grindr.”







The Kirksville Police Department set up an undercover Grindr profile and was soon contacted by a user that went by the handle, “DILF.”

“DILF” told the undercover officer posing as an 18-year-old that he “would love to have a sugar daddy relationship” and that in previous relationships he provided gift cards, clothing and money to his partners.

The Kirksville Daily Express reports:

“DILF” asked the undercover officer for sexual favors in exchange for providing fuel for the officer’s vehicle and also that he “might throw in an Arby’s card LOL.”

“DILF” eventually agreed to meet the undercover officer at a local gas station to provide the fuel before the sexual favors. “DILF” provided his location, which matched Poyner’s address, and Poyner then arrived at the gas station. He attempted to flee the scene when officers approached his vehicle, but pulled over several blocks later.

Poyner reportedly told officers he “was not doing anything with a minor” and was just “going to give him some gas.”

When officers told Poyner he should not offer money or gifts for sex, Poyner explained that he was “trying to help.”

Poyner is listed as one of three church elders at the Kirksville Church of Christ, which uses its pulpit and social media accounts to preach that homosexuality is a sin.

Truman State University issued a statement Friday evening saying Poyner has been placed on suspension.

“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,” the statement said.





