SALINA (KS)
Topeka Capital-Journal [Topeka KS]
July 22, 2026
By Charles Rankin, Salina Journal
A priest with the Catholic Diocese of Salina was arrested and accused of sex crimes against a child.
On July 22, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said in a press release that Ryan McCandless, 44, of Wichita, had been arrested for three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.
According to the KBI, the Republic County Sheriff’s Office asked for the agency’s assistance on Sept. 15, 2025, after charges were alleged between July and September 2025.
KBI accused the suspect of sexually abusing a 6-year-old child in Belleville. KBI said the Salina Diocese suspended the priest from ministry when it was made aware of the reported incidents.
At about 5:05 p.m. July 22, the suspect was arrested by KBI agents and booked into Sedgwick County Detention Facility. He is expected to be transferred to Republic County Jail.
According to the KBI, McCandless, had most recently been pastor of three parishes in Republic County, St. Edward in Belleville, St. George in Munden and St. Isidore in Cuba. He earlier served in parishes in Hays, Manhattan, Mankato, Concordia and Esbon.
Anyone that may have information related to this investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME.