Thomas M. Barth

Thomas Michael Barth, 25, formerly of Warsaw, began his jail sentence Monday for the crime of misrepresenting himself as a representative of a country rock artist.

Barth began serving a 6-month jail term yesterday. He was sentenced Dec. 3, 2012, for two class D felony counts of theft. With credit, Barth will serve just 3 months in the county jail.

In April of last year, Barth was arrested by Warsaw Police when country rock artist Brantley Gilbert and others associated with his band reported numerous complaints. Police say Barth received musical equipment and personalized apparel under the premise he was working with the band.

In Indiana, a Class D felony carries a penalty of 6 months to 3 years imprisonment. Barth received 1 year for each charge, but Kosciusko Superior Court I Judge Duane Huffer suspended all jail time except for 6 months.

Victims identified in Barth’s scheme were Roberts Signs of Warsaw, and musician Kevin Kyle of Winona Lake. Police noted most of the  merchandise, however, had been recovered.