#USA #KS – A Catholic priest from the Diocese of Salina was arrested on July 22, 2026, on charges of sexually abusing a young child, authorities said.
Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents, assisted by the Sedgwick County Fugitive Warrant Unit, took Father Ryan A. McCandless, 44, of Wichita into custody at approximately 5:05 p.m. that Wednesday at a residence in the 2100 block of South Erie Street. He faced an arrest warrant for three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.
The charges alleged that between July and September 2025, McCandless sexually abused a 6-year-old child in Belleville, Kansas. Court documents described the alleged acts as involving lewd fondling or touching of a child under 14 years of age. If convicted, each count carried a potential life sentence with a mandatory minimum of 25 years and/or a fine of up to $500,000.
The Republic County Sheriff’s Office had requested KBI assistance in the investigation on Sept. 15, 2025. Following his arrest, McCandless was booked into the Sedgwick County Detention Facility and later transferred to the Republic County Jail.
At the time of the alleged incidents, McCandless served as pastor of three parishes in Republic County: St. Edward Parish in Belleville, St. George Parish in Munden, and St. Isidore Parish in Cuba. He had previously held assignments at Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Joseph Parish in Hays; Seven Dolors Parish, St. Isidore Catholic Student Center, and Manhattan Catholic Schools in Manhattan; St. Theresa Parish in Mankato; Sacred Heart Parish in Esbon; the Comeau Campus Center in Hays; and Thomas More Prep-Marian in Hays.
The Diocese of Salina stated that it suspended McCandless from all public priestly ministry immediately upon notice of the allegation. “He was not permitted to celebrate Mass, perform sacraments, or engage in any pastoral duties while the matter was under investigation,” the diocese said in a July 22 statement. “He will remain removed from ministry unless and until he is fully cleared of the allegations by all the appropriate civil, legal, and ecclesiastical authorities.”
The diocese reported the allegations to both civil and ecclesiastical authorities in accordance with its policies and the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. It said it was fully cooperating with the Republic County Sheriff’s Department and the KBI, expressed sorrow for any victims of sexual abuse, and noted it remained committed to the protection of children and pastoral care of survivors. “We are devastated for all involved and ask for your prayers during this difficult time,” the statement added.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities ask anyone with information to contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME or submit an anonymous tip online. The diocese also provided a confidential reporting line for its Victim Assistance Coordinator.
Image: Fr. Ryan A Candeless, 42, of the Diocese of Salina.
