Plea Deal Under Advisement In Theft Case
If Kosciusko County Superior Court I Judge Duane Huffer accepts his plea, Thomas Michael Barth, 25, will likely avoid prison and be ordered to pay restitution for what could be about $12,000.
Barth, formerly of Warsaw and now living in Howe, was arrested in April for falsely presenting himself as a representative of country rock artist Brantley Gilbert to illegally gain merchandise, including personalized apparel and musical equipment. Warsaw Police began investigating Barth after Gilbert and others associated with his band reported numerous complaints.
On Monday, Barth accepted a plea by the prosecution which would allow him to plead guilty to two counts of theft, both class D felonies, and require him to pay restitution. By taking the plea agreement, Barth would not face any further charges related to the case.
Barth told StaceyPageOnline.com exclusively, “I’m very sorry for who I hurt, including my family and friends. I have been working hard to change my life and I currently am working a job so I can pay it back.”
In Indiana, a class D felony carries a term of imprisonment of 6 months to 3 years.
Victims identified in Barth’s scheme are Roberts Signs of Warsaw, and musician Kevin Kyle of Winona Lake. Police noted most of the merchandise, however, had been recovered.
In Monday’s hearing, Judge Huffer took the plea under advisement. He will decide at Barth’s sentencing, which is set for 8:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 3, whether he will accept or deny the plea.