SALINA, Kan. (KWCH) – A statement from the Catholic Diocese of Salina provided some additional clarity surrounding the case involving a priest charged with child sex crimes, but questions linger as to the timeline of events leading to his arrest and whether more potential victims could step forward.
Father Ryan McCandless, 44, was arrested last Wednesday (July 22) in Wichita on a warrant for three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child involving a 6-year-old. Court documents specify that the alleged crimes happened last year between July 1 and September 3.
The complaint against McCandless said a victim in the case was younger than 14 years old and specifies that the crimes allegedly happened in Republic County. In its statement released after McCandless’s arrest, the Salina Diocese said the priest “was immediately removed from all public priestly ministry upon notice of the allegation.”
“He was not permitted to celebrate Mass, perform sacraments or engage in any pastoral duties while the matter was under investigation,” the diocese said.
The Salina Diocese did not clarify when it learned about the allegations against McCandless or how long he’d been removed from ministry before his arrest.
“Out of respect for the legal process and the individuals involved, we are unable to provide further details at this time,” the diocese said.
At the time of his removal, McCandless was serving as a pastor in three parishes in Republic County:
St. Edward Parish (Belleville)St. George Parish (Munden)St. Isidore Parish (Cuba)
The diocese said the priest’s previous service involved ministry across several communities, including Hays and Manhattan.
Full list of previous assignments:
Immaculate Heart of Mary, HaysSt. Joseph Parish, HaysThomas More Prep-Marian, HaysComeau Catholic Campus Center, HaysSeven Dolors Parish, ManhattanManhattan Catholic Schools, ManhattanSt. Isidore Catholic Student Center, ManhattanSt. Theresa Parish, MankatoSacred Heart Parish, EsbonOur Lady of Perpetual Help, Concordia
12 News is working to get a clearer timeline regarding McCandless’s service, the scope of his ministry in various communities and the investigation that led to his arrest.
A child sexual abuse survivor said this case underscores why she believes more protections are needed. Joe Cheray has testified before Kansas lawmakers in support of legislation that would require clergy members to report suspected child abuse.
“I was 10, and it makes me disgusted and angry that this was a six-year-old,” Cheray said. “Again, having mandated reporting statues in Kansas would help this a lot, because then there would be a paper trail.”
On Friday, jail records from Republic County showed McCandless in custody in Belleville. He is back in court for a preliminary hearing on July 30.
If convicted on the charges, McCandless could face a life sentence with a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison, along with fines of up to $500,000.
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.
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