A man formerly from Marion has pleaded not guilty to a pair of felony charges after being accused of blowing up an electronic gate at a neighboring property.

Michael Kelly, 28, entered the pleas Thursday in Flathead District Court to charges of arson and possession of explosives.

A court document alleges that Kelly placed a piece of Tannerite explosive — primarily used in exploding targets for firearms — in an expensive electronic gate on a Pleasant Valley Road property, then shot it, causing it to detonate and destroy the gate.

Kelly is accused of the same crime twice: on June 16 and Sept. 14, 2013.

At the scene of the crimes, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office personnel recovered bullet fragments, tire track markings and a Mike’s Hard Lemonade container. The evidence was  sent to the Montana State Crime Lab for explosive and DNA analysis.

Witnesses reported hearing a vehicle with loud exhaust leaving the area after the second incident.

The victim later contacted the Sheriff’s Office after receiving an anonymous voicemail message accusing Kelly, who lived in an adjoining property, of the crime. Kelly allegedly had was angry about the gate because he used to hunt there.

An investigation eventually led to a man who reportedly told a detective that, on the date of the second incident, he had been drinking at Kelly’s house when Kelly asked for a ride.

He told the detective that they got into his pickup, which is loud because it has no tailpipe, and Kelly was carrying a rifle and another object that he was tossing in the air.

He said he then took Kelly to the victim’s home, where Kelly placed the object in the gate and shot it with the rifle, causing it to explode.

Kelly later admitted during a phone conversation with a detective that he had blown up the gate with Tannerite and a rifle.

If convicted, Kelly faces up to 40 years in the Montana State Prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

He was initially incarcerated in the Flathead County Detention Center, where his bond was set at $25,000, but he was later released on his own recognizance.

His next hearing is set for July 16.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at jdavis@dailyinterlake.com.