A Sparta man is accused of selling fake gold bars to a Midland business ended up under arrest after his distinctive tattoos helped police identify him.
John Humphrey, 45, was lodged Thursday in the Midland County Jail charged with false pretenses over $1,000 and less than $20,000. He was arraigned Friday by Midland County District Court Judge Michael Carpenter and later released on a $25,000 bond. Humphrey is set for a probable cause hearing at 1 p.m. on April 8.
On Dec. 18, Humphrey reportedly passed off four gold-plated copper bars as solid gold to a Midland broker and loan company on Saginaw Road. Midland Police Department Public Relations Officer Brennon Warren said the bars were packaged by Perth Mint. The man gave his identification and was paid more than $5,000 in the transaction…