Treasure Valley Church Volunteer Arrested on Multiple Felony Charges, Including Sexual Battery of a Minor

Child abuse awareness has been a lifelong passion of mine. As a parent and community advocate, I’ve always believed that protecting the most vulnerable members of our society—our children—is one of the most important responsibilities we have. This commitment has driven my involvement in various initiatives, including Live for 175, a radio-driven event designed to shed light on child abuse and its devastating impact.

Live for 175 was a unique, community-focused event where participants power a live broadcast by riding stationary bikes. The motto, “It shouldn’t hurt to be a child,” serves as a rallying cry to raise awareness and bring communities together to fight against child abuse. I had the privilege of being part of this powerful campaign, connecting with families, survivors, and advocates to share stories of hope and healing.

Tragically, recent events in our community remind us of why this work is so critical. Law enforcement recently arrested a 34-year-old Star resident, Ryan Patania, who has ties to several Treasure Valley churches and youth programs. Patania faces multiple felony charges, including allegations of inappropriate conduct with minors and sexual battery of a child. According to reports from the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, there may be additional minors involved.

This case underscores the need for continued vigilance in protecting our children, especially in spaces that should feel safe, like churches and community programs. As someone who has worked to bring attention to these issues, I understand how critical it is for every adult to be aware of the signs of abuse and to create environments where children feel empowered to speak up.

A Call to Action
The fight against child abuse requires all of us to step up. Whether through supporting local events like Live for 175, volunteering with child advocacy organizations, or simply staying informed about what’s happening in our community, we all play a role in keeping children safe.

If you or someone you know has additional information regarding the Patania case, please contact the Star Police Department at 208-377-6790. Let’s work together to protect our children and ensure that no one in our community suffers in silence.