WICHITA (KS)
KMBC - ABC 9 [Kansas City MO]
July 22, 2026
By Nick Sloan
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Catholic priest on charges related to child sexual abuse.
Ryan McCandless, 44, of Wichita, was taken into custody on Wednesday.
He is charged with three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.
According to the KBI, the arrest occurred at a residence in the 2100 block of South Erie Street in Wichita.
The investigation began after the Republic County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance in September 2025.
McCandless is accused of sexually abusing a six-year-old child in Belleville, Kansas, between July and September 2025.
McCandless has served as pastor of St. Edward Parish in Belleville, St. George Parish in Munden and St. Isidore Parish in Cuba.
He also served parishes in Hays, Manhattan, Mankato, Concordia and Esbon.
Anyone with information should contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME or submit an anonymous tip through the agency’s website.