El Paso Man Sentenced For Firearms And Marijuana In National Park

Speeding stop leads to 20-month prison sentence for felon in possession of a loaded gun and drugs

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 52-year-old El Paso man was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison after being caught with marijuana, fireworks, and a loaded handgun during a traffic stop in a national park. The man, who was legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior drug conviction, was pulled over for speeding and later admitted to having rolled marijuana joints in his vehicle.

Why it matters

While some states have legalized or decriminalized marijuana, it remains fully illegal within national park boundaries, where federal law applies. The presence of a loaded firearm and fireworks in a national park also raises significant safety concerns, as parks are meant to be family-friendly environments.

The details

According to court documents, a National Park Service ranger stopped Ricardo Ballard on October 27, 2024, after clocking him driving 75 mph in a 45-mph zone inside the park. During the traffic stop, the ranger reported smelling burnt marijuana. Ballard initially denied having drugs or weapons in the vehicle but later admitted to having rolled marijuana joints. A subsequent search turned up an unsealed bag of marijuana, three boxes of fireworks, and a loaded 9mm Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistol tucked into the back pocket of the passenger seat.

  • On October 27, 2024, Ballard was pulled over for speeding in the national park.
  • On February 3, 2026, Ballard was sentenced to 20 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release.

The players

Ricardo Ballard

A 52-year-old man from El Paso, Texas, who was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

National Park Service ranger

The ranger who pulled Ballard over for speeding and discovered the marijuana, fireworks, and loaded handgun in his vehicle.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This case highlights the strict enforcement of federal laws within national parks, where even small amounts of marijuana and the possession of firearms by felons can result in significant prison sentences. It also underscores the importance of responsible and lawful behavior in these protected public spaces, where public safety is of the utmost concern.