Priest in Kansas Faces Child Sex Charges as Investigation Continues

Kansas Priest Charged in Child Sex Abuse Case

A Catholic priest who served several parishes and Catholic institutions across Kansas is facing serious criminal charges after investigators alleged he sexually abused a 6-year-old child.

Ryan A. McCandless, 44, was arrested following an investigation led by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). Prosecutors have filed three felony charges alleging aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

The allegations involve a child under the age of 14 and relate to incidents that investigators say occurred in Belleville, Kansas, between July and September 2025.

McCandless has been charged but has not been convicted. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Investigation Began in 2025

According to investigators, the Republic County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation on September 15, 2025.

Following months of investigation, KBI agents arrested McCandless on July 22, 2026, at a residence in Wichita.

He was initially booked into the Sedgwick County Detention Facility before being transferred to the Republic County Jail the following day.

Authorities say the investigation remains active.

Three Felony Charges Filed

Court records indicate McCandless faces three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

According to the criminal complaint, investigators allege inappropriate sexual touching involving a child younger than 14 years old.

If convicted, each charge carries severe penalties under Kansas law, including the possibility of life imprisonment with mandatory minimum sentencing requirements.

The criminal allegations will ultimately be decided in court.

Diocese Removed Priest From Ministry

The Catholic Diocese of Salina announced that McCandless was removed from all public ministry after church officials became aware of the allegation.

According to the diocese, he is no longer permitted to:

• Celebrate Mass
• Administer sacraments
• Perform pastoral duties
• Represent the Church in public ministry

Church officials have not publicly stated exactly when they first became aware of the allegation or when the removal occurred.

Previously Served Multiple Kansas Communities

Before his arrest, McCandless served as pastor of:

• St. Edward Parish in Belleville
• St. George Parish in Munden
• St. Isidore Parish in Cuba

Earlier in his ministry, he also served at Catholic churches, schools, and student centers in:

• Hays
• Manhattan
• Mankato
• Concordia
• Esbon

At this time, authorities have not accused him of misconduct connected to those previous assignments, and no additional alleged victims have been publicly identified.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation continues to seek information related to the case.

Officials encourage anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement through the KBI tip line or submit anonymous information if appropriate.

Authorities stress that all reports are taken seriously and that any new information may assist the ongoing investigation.

Reminder for Parents and Communities

Child protection experts encourage parents and caregivers to take reports of inappropriate behavior seriously regardless of a person’s profession or position of trust.

If a child reports inappropriate touching or behavior:

• Listen calmly without pressuring the child.
• Document what the child says as accurately as possible.
• Contact law enforcement or child protection authorities promptly.
• Avoid confronting the accused before investigators begin their work.

Early reporting can help protect children and preserve important evidence.

Criminal Case Still Pending

McCandless remains charged with three felony offenses as the case proceeds through the Kansas court system.

The allegations have not yet been tested at trial, and the defendant remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.