A former Warsaw resident has been charged locally with two felony counts of theft for allegedly defrauding two local businesses out of more than $12,000 in products.

Thomas Michael Barth, 25, of Howe, Ind., turned himself in to LaGrange County officials April 26 on charges that he falsely represented himself as photographer and agent for country band and singer Brantley Gilbert. Barth is accused of receiving more than $8,000 in personalized product and clothing from Robert’s Signs in Warsaw and over $4,000 in electronic equipment from Winona Lake musician Kevin Kyle.

Warsaw Police interviewed Barth on April 12 when he allegedly admitted his crimes. Police say most of the merchandise has been recovered.

During the investigation Warsaw Police detectives learned from Gilbert that he and his managers had been receiving numerous complaints about Barth over the past several months. Gilbert ordered Barth to stop misrepresenting himself as any kind of agent for the singer.

Barth surrendered to LaGrange County authorities last week and was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail Sunday to face charges. Both theft counts are class D felonies. Barth’s bond was set at $2,000.