Priest Arrested on Child Abuse Charges | Topeka News

A Kansas priest, Father Ryan McCandless, 44, has been arrested on three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, allegedly involving a six-year-old between July and September 2025. The KBI took him into custody after the Republic County Sheriff’s Office referred the case, and he’s now being held at the Republic County Jail. McCandless, who recently led three churches in the area, was immediately removed from all pastoral duties by the Diocese of Salina upon notification, which says it followed its child protection policies and is cooperating fully with authorities. Anyone with information should contact the KBI or the Sheriff’s Office, and victims can reach the Diocese’s Victim Assistance Coordinator confidentially. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f5c0134f0928d077