Judge orders release of student in gun case

On Wednesday, a judge eliminated a bond requirement and granted the release from custody of a Flathead High School student accused of bringing alcohol, drug paraphernalia and a gun to school.

Michael Alan Melby, 17, was granted release on his own recognizance by Flathead District Judge Amy Eddy. He will have to participate in an electronic monitoring program.

Melby’s bond previously had been $35,000.

He is facing five misdemeanor charges after he was allegedly caught Jan. 29 at school with a loaded handgun, bottle of wine and marijuana paraphernalia.

School and law officials investigated and determined that Melby apparently did not intend to harm anyone. He allegedly told investigators that he stole the gun from a family member to try to raise money to get to another state. He had been reported as a runaway a couple days earlier.

During the course of the investigation, Melby allegedly led authorities to a 14-year-old student who allegedly was found with felony-level, non-marijuana drugs. That student previously was bailed out of jail and was expelled from Flathead High School for the remainder of the school year.

Melby’s school expulsion hearing had been delayed until he was released from custody.

His case is set for a March 28 trial.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.