A Flathead High School student on Friday denied bringing a partially loaded gun, alcohol and drug paraphernalia to campus on Jan. 29.

Michael Alan Melby, who turns 17 on Monday, appeared before Flathead District Judge Amy Eddy.

According to court documents, Melby entered general denials to five misdemeanor counts: theft, possession of weapon in a school, carrying a concealed weapon, criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful possession of intoxicating substances.

Melby was remanded to the custody of the Flathead County sheriff, pending posting of $35,000 bail.

The proceedings were closed to the public because the case involves a juvenile.

Melby was taken into custody after he allegedly was caught taking two lunch periods on Jan. 29. Melby allegedly exhibited signs of alcohol consumption and admitted drinking.

He allegedly had a bottle of wine, a partially loaded .44 magnum revolver and a marijuana pipe.

Flathead High School Resource Officer Cory Clarke has said that he does not believe the teen intended to use the gun, which was allegedly found with the hammer down on a single empty chamber. The remainder of the chambers were loaded.

The teen allegedly told Clarke that he had stolen the gun from a relative so he could sell it to get money to flee to another state. Melby had allegedly been reported as a runaway two days before the incident.

Melby’s arrest led investigators to a 14-year-old student who now faces a felony drug charge. That student was expelled for the remainder of the school year on Tuesday. The teen, allegedly found with non-marijuana drugs, has been released from custody.

School administrators have not acted on the possible expulsion of Melby because he has been in custody. A jury trial for Melby is scheduled March 28 in Flathead District Court.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].