Illinois Woman Pleads Guilty to Trying to Carry Switchblade onto Plane

Michelle Stultz was boarding a morning flight Sunday when Great Falls International Airport security discovered the blade after X-raying her purse.

Aug. 17, 2005

GREAT FALLS (AP) -- An Illinois woman pleaded guilty in Municipal Court to trying to board an airplane at Great Falls International Airport carrying a switchblade in her purse.

Michelle Stultz was boarding a morning flight Sunday when airport security discovered the blade after X-raying her purse, police said. The 33-year-old told authorities she didn't know the switchblade was there.

Airport security notified local law enforcement because it is illegal to possess a switchblade in Montana. Officers gave Stultz the option of posting the $160 bail on the spot, but she could not come up with the money, police said.

Stultz was jailed for a few hours before posting bond.

She pleaded guilty Monday to possessing an illegal weapon, a misdemeanor, and was sentenced to six months in jail, with all but three days suspended.

However, if Stultz pays the maximum $560 fine and surrenders the switchblade to police, she may be released.

Police said they never believed Stultz had any harmful intent.