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Last updated on Friday, May 4, 2012
(WARSAW) - A northeastern Indiana man faces two felony theft counts for allegedly misrepresenting himself as country music singer Brantley Gilbert.
Thomas Michael Barth, 25, of Howe, sent email and text messages that appeared as if they were sent by Gilbert, according to police in Warsaw, about 40 miles west of Fort Wayne.
Police say he received $8,000 worth of personalized products and clothing from Robert's Signs of Warsaw and more than $4,000 in musical and electronic equipment from a musician in Winona Lake, a community outside Warsaw.
The Journal Gazette reported Thursday much of the merchandise has been recovered.
Barth is free on bond and has a May 24 court appearance.
Barth surrendered at the LaGrange County Jail on April 26 and was taken to the Kosciusko County Jail in Warsaw, the newspaper said.
Barth acknowledged representing himself as a photographer and agent, according to police. He also admitted sending the texts and messages that appeared to be from Gilbert, police said.
Gilbert and his managers have had a number of complaints about Barth's activities, police said.
Gilbert is known for his No. 1 hit "Country Must Be Country Wide." He was a new artist of the year nominee at this year's Academy of Country Music Awards and is up for breakthrough video of the year at the CMT Awards next month. He is currently on the road, opening shows on Eric Church's "Blood Sweat and Beers" tour. to Robert's Signs of Warsaw and musician Kevin Kyle of Winona Lake.
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