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GREAT FALLS - Malik Shabazz, a 19-year old resident of Great Falls, pleaded not guilty in court on Tuesday during his arraignment.

Shabazz is charged with false impersonation of an officer of the United State and making false statements.

According to court documents, in early March Shabazz told staff members at Great Falls International Airport that he had a firearm in his carry-on luggage and that he was an employee of the FBI.

No firearms were found on Shabazz or in his luggage, and he is not an FBI employee.

(March 9, 2010) Malik Hannabal Shabazz of Washington, D.C., made an initial appearance in a federal courtroom in Great Falls charged with false impersonation of an officer of the United States and making false statements.

If convicted, Shabazz faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

According to authorities, on March 5th, Shabazz stated he had a firearm in his carry-on luggage prior to boarding a United Airlines flight at Great Falls International Airport, and also stated that he was an employee of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Shabazz, 19, reportedly was wearing a shirt with an FBI logo on it, along with the words "Washington Field Office, FBI Junior Academy."

When questioned by an airline employee, Shabazz replied that he had credentials and produced a "DC One Card" bearing a photograph of him in a military style uniform.

When TSA officials asked Shabazz if he was an FBI agent, Shabazz stated that he was not an agent, but was a contractor for the FBI engaged in intelligence work.

Further questioning led to Shabazz stating that he engaged in the pretense in order to observe the response of airport personnel.

No firearm was found on Shabazz or in any of his baggage.