Man Arrested for Multiple Marriages in North Carolina

A resident of Davidson County, North Carolina, has been taken into custody on bigamy charges after authorities found he was legally married to at least three women simultaneously. Harry Irvine Burdick Jr., 60, was arrested on August 22 following an investigation that revealed three distinct marriage licenses bearing his name.

All three marriages appear to have been entered into for financial or personal gain, according to law enforcement officials. The weddings occurred in Guilford, Lincoln, and Davidson counties. Authorities have not indicated that Burdick has divorced any of his spouses.

It remains uncertain whether the women knew about each other’s existence. Burdick was released after promising to appear in court on September 22. Prosecutors believe there may be more victims and are urging anyone who may have been unknowingly married to him to come forward.

Bigamy is illegal across the United States, a law that originated in federal territories in 1887 to restrict practices associated with the Church of Latter-Day Saints. Despite being outlawed, polygamous arrangements still exist within some communities, notably among certain LDS families such as those featured on reality TV shows like “Sister Wives.”

In a related case earlier this August, a Florida man received two years’ probation after being convicted of bigamy. His wives were unaware of each other, and he reportedly married each one in different counties without divorce procedures.

Authorities continue to investigate Burdick’s case and ask the public to report any similar instances or potential victims to aid in their investigation.