NEWBORN, Ga. (AP) — Not so long ago (Sunday, to be exact) in a small town far, far to the east of Atlanta (actually about 50 miles), a man spent the night in jail for dressing like a Star Wars storm trooper.

The charges: wearing a mask and reckless conduct. WMAZ-TV reports (on.wmaz.com/1TpwkHU) that Justin Marling's full armor and plastic gun created concern as he walked down a road in Newborn, population 700.

The Jasper County sheriff's says Marling's weapon appeared to be real.

Marling says he was only trying to raise awareness for a charitable cause: Star Wars Force for Change, which aims to inspire people to have a positive impact.

Under Georgia law, wearing a mask in public is illegal with some exceptions, such as holidays and special events.