A Helena man has admitted to carrying a firearm on the campus of Jim Darcy Elementary School. Acting U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot announced that Bryant Nicholas Espinoza, 37, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm in a school zone.
Espinoza could face up to five years in prison, along with a $100,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris is overseeing the case and will determine the sentence after considering relevant guidelines and factors. Sentencing is scheduled for June 9, with Espinoza released pending further proceedings.
According to court documents, on February 7, 2024, the principal of Jim Darcy Elementary School contacted the Lewis and Clark Sheriff’s Office after being informed by a staff member about a parent carrying a firearm on campus the previous day. The staff member saw Espinoza with a small dog outside the school and noticed he was armed while picking up his daughter.
Surveillance footage confirmed Espinoza's presence on school property with what appeared to be a pistol holstered at his hip. A subsequent federal search warrant executed by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and local law enforcement led to the seizure of firearms from Espinoza's residence.
In an interview with authorities, Espinoza acknowledged being identified in surveillance images and indicated that Montana's status as an "open carry state" was why he had the gun at school.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office following an investigation conducted by ATF and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). This initiative aims to reduce violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities.
For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit Justice.gov/PSN.
