Davidson County, NC – In a startling case of bigamy, Harry Irvine Burdick Jr., a 60-year-old man from Davidson County, North Carolina, was arrested on August 22 for being legally married to three women at the same time. Authorities uncovered three separate marriage licenses registered under his name, shedding light on a complex sham marriage scheme.
The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office revealed that all three weddings occurred in different counties — Guilford, Lincoln, and Davidson — and there was no record of any divorces from any of the women. This unprecedented case is currently under investigation as officials seek to determine if Burdick may have more unsuspecting wives.
The Discovery of Multiple Marriages
During the investigation, authorities found that Burdick had married three women without divorcing any of them, which is classified as bigamy — a felony crime punishable under North Carolina law. The sheriff’s office stated these sham marriages were driven by financial and personal gain.
- Burdick was charged with two counts of felony bigamy.
- Marriages took place in Guilford, Lincoln, and Davidson Counties.
- There is no indication that any of the women were aware of each other.
- Burdick was released after promising to appear in court on September 22.
Authorities Seek Additional Victims
The sheriff’s office urged anyone who might have been legally married to Burdick without a divorce or those acquainted with possible victims to come forward. There may be more unwitting spouses involved, and law enforcement is eager to uncover the full extent of the situation.
“We encourage anyone who believes they may be connected to this case, or know someone who is, to contact our office. Bigamy not only breaks the law but can have devastating consequences for the victims involved,” said a Davidson County Sheriff’s Office representative.
Bigamy Laws and Context in the United States
Bigamy remains illegal throughout the United States, banned by federal law since the Edmund-Tucker Act of 1887, originally targeting practices within the Church of Latter-Day Saints (LDS). Despite this, some polygamous communities continue to attract public and legal attention.
Media coverage has often featured polygamist families, including the prominent Brown family from TLC’s “Sister Wives” and the Darger family, highlighting the complexities and social dynamics of multi-marriage practices.
Similar Cases and Recent Legal Actions
This recent North Carolina case reflects similar incidents elsewhere. Earlier in August, a Florida man faced bigamy charges and received two years’ probation. Like Burdick, his wives were unaware of each other, noting he meticulously arranged marriages across county lines.
For readers interested in detailed reports, the original coverage can be found at New York Post.
What This Means for the Community
The arrest has raised awareness about the prevalence of bigamy and the potential exploitation of individuals in sham marriages. It also underscores the importance of legal vigilance before entering marriage.
- Bigamy cases can have significant emotional and financial impacts on victims.
- The community is encouraged to stay vigilant about marriage legality.
- Authorities continue to investigate and warn against fraudulent marriages.
Harry Irvine Burdick Jr. faces court on September 22, where further legal proceedings will clarify the extent of his offenses and potential additional charges should more victims be identified.
Have You Encountered Cases of Bigamy or Sham Marriages?
Bigamy remains a serious legal and social issue. What do you think about this arrest in North Carolina? Share your thoughts and experiences with bigamy or sham marriages in the comments below!