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A Glendive Police officer was released on his own recognizance Monday after his initial court appearance on both felony and misdemeanor charges.

Appearing Monday before Justice of the Peace David A. Carter via closed-circuit television from the Yellowstone County Detention Facility, Michael Louis Briggs, 48, is charged with a felony count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and a misdemeanor count of driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, first offense.

Carter ordered Briggs released and scheduled his arraignment for 9:30 a.m. Jan. 19 before District Court Judge Gregory R. Todd.

Carter also ordered Briggs to participate in an alcohol monitoring program.

Meeting minutes from May 6, 2014, show that the Glendive City Council voted to hire Briggs as a full-time temporary patrolman, effective April 26, 2014. He was hired as a permanent full-time officer a few months later, Glendive Mayor Jerry Jimison said.

Jimison said Briggs was in Billings for National Guard training.

“We’ve had no real big issues with him,” Jimison said, adding that Briggs was involved in an accident while driving a police cruiser and was disciplined as a result. Jimison couldn't recall the date of that crash.