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There are real gold bars. [Mario Tama/Getty Images][/caption]

Three men face felony charges for allegedly selling bogus gold bars to several stores in Endicott, Vestal and Johnson City.

According to Endicott police, the suspects live in Binghamton and Owego. They are accused of selling brass bars covered with a thin layer of gold.

Investigators say 26-year-old James Sanicola II of Binghamton was charged with three counts of third-degree grand larceny. He allegedly sold fake gold to pawn shops, second-hand shops and jewelry stores in Endicott, Vestal and Johnson City.

Police say 25-year-old Kenneth Wilson of Binghamton and 22-year-old Tyler Donahue of Owego each face one count of third-degree grand larceny.

According to detectives, the trio sold several bogus gold bars for more than $34,000.

Investigators say police discovered several fake gold bars during an April 14 search of Sanicola's apartment at 6 Grand Boulevard. About $4,500 in cash also was seized from the residence.

Sanicola was arraigned in Vestal town court and sent to Broome County Jail. The other two men were arraigned in local courts and released on their own recognizance.

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