CODY L RYAN - Bond set in sexual abuse case

Bond has been set for a Weston resident charged with 11 felonies including sodomy. He was originally being held without bond.

Cody L Ryan, 30, appeared before Ray County’s Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Lori J Baskins for a bond hearing earlier this week. 

Ryan was arrested May 5 and is charged with 11 felonies including: six counts of first-degree sodomy or attempted sodomy; four counts of first-degree sexual abuse of victim less than 14 years of age; and first-offense sexual misconduct involving a child under 15.

Ryan appeared in custody without an attorney. He was previously denied appointment of a public defender, due to having an annual income of over $24,000 from a retired veteran's income.  

The prosecution argued that bond be refused due to the nature of the charges. However, Ryan pleaded with the judge, saying, “I am begging. I’m willing to do anything to get the bond lowered, your honor.”

Judge Baskins disagreed with the prosecution.

“I have an obligation and I am going to move it out of no bond status with bond conditions,” she said.

Bond was set at $50,000, requiring 10 percent, cash or surety. His bond conditions include that he wear an ankle monitor and not have contact with anyone under 18.

According to the probable cause statement from Corporal Camille Johnson of the Orrick Police Department, “Officers were advised by (name withheld) that Ryan was going to be in the city of Orrick at approximately 2000 hours. She advised that last night she had requested Ryan to assist her in taking her children to the Mushroom Festival.

“At approximately 2047, while waiting to contact Ryan’s vehicle, Sergeant James Lawrence advised that he had made contact with the vehicle as it pulled into the residence of the victim. Deputies had removed Ryan from his vehicle and placed him in front of a county patrol vehicle.

“Upon arrival of Orrick officers, Chief Matt Hunter made contact with Ryan informing him that he was under arrest, in which Ryan replied that he ‘probably knew why’.

“It should be highly noted that at this time, Ryan informed Chief Hunter that he wanted to speak with officers and that he wanted to be honest,” the report read.

The probable cause statement continued, “It should be noted that while Chief Hunter was speaking to (name withheld), I went to Deputy Brian Lackey’s patrol vehicle where he stepped out and advised me that Ryan had asked if he was going to jail. Deputy Lackey advised he was not sure and that it was the City of Orrick’s investigation. Ryan then told Deputy Lackey, ‘If it’s what I think it is, I am.’

“As the interview started, Ryan would not make eye contact and was staring at the floor. Chief Hunter asked if Ryan knew why he was being interviewed and Ryan said that he was sure he knew what it was about. Ryan began to stare at the floor again and began to talk about the night he had sexual contact with the victim. Ryan stated that he knew what he had done was wrong but was (omitted due to graphic nature) and lonely.”

The remaining details in the probable cause statement are graphic and will not be disclosed by The Standard.

“The Orrick Police Department is following up on the case to make sure there are no other victims,” Chief Hunter stated. “When news like this breaks, it can cause other victims to come forward or speak up.”

Judge Baskins set 9:30 a.m. June 22 as Ryan’s next day in court.

The Excelsior Springs Standard will continue ongoing coverage of this case.