SALINA (KS)
KWCH-TV, CBS-12 [Wichita KS]
July 22, 2026
By Angela Smith
Father Ryan A. McCandless, 44, faces three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a priest from the Catholic Diocese of Salina on child sex crime charges.
The Sedgwick County Fugitive Warrant Unit arrested Father Ryan A. McCandless, 44, of Wichita, at around 5:05 p.m. on Wednesday, at home in the 2100 block of S. Erie St. in Wichita. He was wanted on three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.
The charges allege that between July and September 2025, McCandless sexually abused a 6-year-old child in Belleville, Kansas. The Republic County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance on Sept. 15, 2025.
McCandless was booked into the Sedgwick County Detention Facility following his arrest and is expected to be transferred to the Republic County Jail.
Parish assignments
The Catholic Diocese of Salina said McCandless most recently 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 previously served at the following locations:
- Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays
- St. Joseph Parish, Hays
- Seven Dolors Parish, Manhattan
- St. Isidore Catholic Student Center, Manhattan
- St. Theresa Parish, Mankato
- Sacred Heart Parish, Esbon
- Comeau Campus Center, Hays
- Thomas More Prep-Marian, Hays
- Manhattan Catholic Schools, Manhattan
Diocese response
The Diocese of Salina said it reported the allegations to both civil and ecclesiastical authorities in accordance with diocesan policy and the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The diocese said it is fully cooperating with the investigation being conducted by the Republic County Sheriff’s Office and the KBI.
“Fr. McCandless was immediately removed from all public priestly ministry upon notice of the allegation,” said the diocese. “He was not permitted to celebrate Mass, perform sacraments, or engage in any pastoral duties while the matter was under investigation. 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.”
How to report information
Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME (1-800-572-7463). Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at kbi.ks.gov/sar.
To make a confidential report to the Diocese of Salina, contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator at 866-752-8855 or reportabuse@salinadiocese.org .
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.