BREAKING: Former Salina wrestling coach charged in federal child porn production case

WICHITA, Kan. (March 5, 2026) — A former Salina-area school employee and high school wrestling coach has been charged in federal court after investigators say he secretly recorded minors in a locker room shower during a Kansas wrestling tournament.

According to court documents, Ryan Brungardt, 37, of Salina, is charged by criminal complaint with two counts of production of child pornography and one count of attempted production of child pornography.

Federal authorities allege Brungardt used a cellphone to record three minors while they showered in a locker room during the Tournament of Champions wrestling event at Newton High School in January 2024.

Brungardt previously worked at Lakewood Middle School and served as a wrestling coach at Salina Central High School, according to the complaint.

Court timeline

Brungardt made his initial court appearance Wednesday, March 4, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brooks G. Severson in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. A detention hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026.

Investigation ongoing, more events being reviewed

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), Salina Police Department, and Newton Police Department are investigating.

Investigators say they are reviewing additional seized cellphone videos believed to have been recorded at wrestling meets and tournaments in Newton, Hays, Garden City, and Salina during the 2023–2024 wrestling season.

Anyone who believes they witnessed crimes or suspicious activity at these events is asked to contact the KBI at (785) 600-8790 or submit a report through the KBI’s site.

Project Safe Childhood

Authorities said the case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 to combat child exploitation.

Note: A criminal complaint contains allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.