WORCESTER — An expelled Fitchburg State University student charged with possessing a military ammunition belt last week is expected to be released on $500 cash bail Thursday after a judge reduced his bail from $50,000 cash.

A group of 52 friends, family, and Fitchburg State University students filled a Worcester Superior Court room Wednesday as Andrew K. Despres’s lawyer argued for his client’s release. He will appear in Fitchburg District Court Thursday.