A federal grand jury in Wichita indicted a Kansas man on March 24 for allegedly creating child sexual abuse materials. The individual, identified as Ryan Brungardt, is a former wrestling coach at Salina Central High School and faces three counts of production of child pornography and one count of attempted production of child pornography.
The case involves accusations that Brungardt used a cellphone to secretly record minors while they showered in a locker room during the Tournament of Champions held at Newton High School in January 2024. Prosecutors added an additional charge after discovering a fourth alleged victim.
Authorities are continuing their investigation by reviewing other seized cellphone videos believed to have been recorded at various wrestling meets and tournaments throughout the 2023-2024 season in Newton, Hays, Garden City, and Salina. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), Salina Police Department, and Newton Police Department are leading the inquiry. Officials encourage anyone who witnessed suspicious activity at these events to contact the KBI or submit information through its website.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to address child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The program brings together federal, state, and local resources to identify offenders who exploit children online and rescue victims.
Authorities remind the public that an indictment is only an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
