WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – A former Kansas middle school coach and teacher who tried to destroy evidence by snapping his phone in half is set to be sentenced early next year, according to federal prosecutors.
Ryan Brungardt reached a plea agreement Wednesday with federal prosecutors after being accused of filming young boys as they showered during at least four wrestling meets across Kansas.
Investigators say Brungardt attempted to hide videos by breaking his phone, causing the battery to catch fire and force the evacuation of the Salina middle school where he taught in 2024. However, the phone was sent to a forensics lab in Kansas City, where 71 videos were recovered.
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“Despite Brungardt’s actions, law enforcement was able to preserve the evidence and ultimately find the videos and hold Brungardt accountable for his actions,” the press release said.
The 71 videos involved 25 victims ranging in age from under 14 to 18 years of age and were filmed during the 2024 wrestling season at:
- Newton, Kansas (January 13, 2024);
- Rose Hill, Kansas (January 18, 2024);
- Hays, Kansas (January 20, 2024);
- Garden City, Kansas (January 27, 2024)
Brungardt pleaded guilty to three counts of production of child pornography. As part of the plea agreement, he agreed to a sentence of 35 to 40 years in federal prison and to pay restitution to his victims, according to court documents. He will also have post-release supervision. A judge will have the final say.
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U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser said the case underscores the responsibility adults have when working with children.
“As a society, we rely on teachers, coaches, childcare workers, and others to protect and care for our children,” he said, adding that investigators are still working to identify additional victims and encouraging athletes who participated in the tournaments to come forward.
The investigation involved the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Newton and Salina Police Departments, as well as several other law enforcement agencies.
