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A man with a realistic-looking tattoo of a gun on his stomach had the real thing tucked into his waistband when he was arrested, police said.

Police told the Morning Sentinel (http://bit.ly/1p2LHWq ) that 41-year-old Michael Smith, of Norridgewock, showed up at a sheriff's deputy's home Thursday night. He was crying and had been drinking, authorities said.

Smith told police he had a fight with his ex-girlfriend and had stolen prescription narcotics from her, authorities said.

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He was charged with stealing drugs, and his gun was confiscated. He was released from jail on $1,000 bail. His phone has been disconnected, and he couldn't be reached for comment.

Michael Smith, left, bearing a realistic-looking tattoo of a handgun on his stomach, stands beside a Somerset County Sheriff deputy outside his home in Norridgewock, Maine, March 18, 2014. David Leaming / Morning Sentinel via AP file

Madison police Officer Eric Bronson said Smith was carrying a .40-caliber Glock but isn't facing any gun charges because Maine is an open-carry state and his weapon was visible.

Smith's next court date is Aug. 6.

Smith made headlines in March when members of a tree removal crew he'd told to clear off his property reported that he had a gun. But the gun turned out to be his tattoo.

He told the newspaper then that the tattoo had never been a problem before. He wasn't charged in that case.

- Associated Press