Parent arrested with gun at Blue Springs elementary school convicted in federal court

A man arrested carrying drugs and a gun at a Blue Springs elementary school was convicted of federal crimes Monday.

Shaunee Burkhart pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Kansas City to possessing a firearm while under the influence of illegal drugs and possession of a firearm on school property.

Burkhart, 33, was arrested last March after police were called to James Walker Elementary School to investigate a disturbance.

According to court documents, Burkhart, the parent of a child at the school, was acting “erratically,” and was escorted out of the building by school staff.

Arriving Blue Springs police officers found him trying to hide behind a tree across the street from the school at 201 N.E. Sunnyside School Road.

They found a loaded 9mm handgun tucked into his waistband, according to the documents.

He also had a marijuana cigarette in his possession and a small packet of methamphetamine that he tried to slip to a relative who arrived at the scene.

Burkhart was allowed to remain free on bond pending sentencing. A sentencing date has not yet been set.