North Carolina Man Accused of Bigamy After Marrying Three Women Across Counties
DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C. – A North Carolina man is facing felony charges after authorities say he illegally married three women in three different counties without ever divorcing his first wife.
Investigation Into Multiple Marriages
The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Harry Irvine Burdick Jr. in April after a report was filed suggesting possible bigamy. Detectives discovered Burdick had obtained three separate marriage licenses in Lincoln, Davidson, and Guilford counties.
While multiple marriages are legal if prior unions are dissolved, investigators found no record of divorce proceedings involving Burdick’s first wife. That discovery raised immediate red flags.
Sheriff’s officials said the evidence suggested Burdick sought these marriages for “financial and personal gain,” a claim now central to the case.
Arrest and Charges
After months of investigation, Burdick was arrested last week and formally charged with two counts of felony bigamy. Each count carries serious legal penalties in North Carolina, where bigamy is classified as a felony offense punishable by prison time.
He is expected to make his first court appearance later this month.
Authorities Seek Additional Victims
Investigators also believe there may be more victims who have not yet come forward. Officials are asking anyone who believes they may have been legally married to Burdick — without a proper divorce in place — to contact Detective Foushee at the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office at (336) 236-3365.
In a statement posted to social media, the sheriff’s office stressed the importance of community assistance:
“If you or someone you know was married to Harry Burdick Jr. and never legally divorced, please reach out to our investigators immediately.”
What Is Bigamy Under NC Law?
Bigamy — marrying someone while still legally married to another — is considered a Class I felony in North Carolina. While rare, such cases occasionally surface when individuals attempt to conceal multiple marriages for financial gain, fraud, or personal convenience.
Legal experts note that proving bigamy requires showing that a lawful prior marriage existed without divorce or annulment at the time of subsequent weddings.
One Charlotte-area family law attorney explained:
“People often don’t realize the paper trail between counties will eventually catch up with them. Marriage licenses are public records, and even if someone moves or remarries elsewhere, those filings don’t disappear.”
Community Shock
The case has drawn attention not only in Davidson County but across the state, with residents expressing disbelief at how someone could juggle multiple marriages undetected for so long.
“It’s unbelievable in today’s world of records and databases that this went on as long as it did,” one Davidson County resident told local reporters. “It makes you wonder how many people could be impacted.”
Do you think North Carolina should strengthen its tracking system for marriage licenses to prevent cases like this, or are current laws enough? Share your views in the comments and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
