Former Kansas priest arrested on three counts

A 44-year-old priest from the Diocese of Salina, Father Ryan A. McCandless, was arrested in Wichita by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation on three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, related to alleged abuse of a 6-year-old in Belleville between July and September 2025. The arrest occurred at his residence on South Erie Street, with the Republic County Sheriff’s Office having requested KBI assistance earlier in September 2025. The Diocese of Salina had previously suspended McCandless from ministry and stated he was immediately removed from all public priestly duties while the investigation continues, with the diocese cooperating with civil and ecclesiastical authorities. Authorities say he is being held in Sedgwick County jail and will be transferred to the Republic County Jail to face charges in Belleville. McCandless had served as pastor at three parishes in Republic County and has also worked at multiple other parishes across the state, including in Hays, Manhattan, Mankato, Concordia and Esbon. Tip lines are being provided for information as the investigation proceeds.