Inmate charged for bringing fentanyl into county jail pleads not guilty

A Kalispell woman accused of smuggling fentanyl into the Flathead County Detention Center that was later linked to two inmate overdoses has pleaded not guilty to a felony drug distribution charge. 

Melanie Lee Hickok, 23, entered her not guilty plea before Judge Danni Coffman in Flathead County District Court on Dec. 14. Following the arraignment, Hickok unsuccessfully sought to see her $80,000 bail reduced.

According to court records, defense attorney Keenan Gallagher asked that Coffman release Hickok on her own recognizance, allowing her to attend an in-patient treatment center. Deputy County Attorney John Donovan objected with Coffman ultimately siding with prosecutors.