The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office accused a man of marrying three women simultaneously in different counties.
Detectives in Davidson County started the bigamy investigation in April after a report was filed.
Bigamy is “the act of entering into a marriage with one person while still legally married to another,” defined by Merriam-Webster.
Authorities learned that Harry Irvine Burdick Jr., 60, of Taylorsville, has three marriage licenses with three women in three counties, including Lincoln, Davidson, and Guilford.
Detectives didn’t find divorce proceedings before Burdick had already married two other women.
This all happened between 2021 and 2024.
He was arrested on Aug. 22 and charged with two counts of felony bigamy. Financial motivation and personal gain were the motives, investigators said.
In each case, Burdick drained one woman financially before moving onto the next.
“I can’t imagine anyone wanting to do that. It don’t make sense,” said neighbor Roger Walser. “To me it don’t. One woman is all any man needs.”
Walser has been married for 56 years, and it’s important to him and his wife.
“We’re both very religious,” Walser said. “God said one man one woman and we enjoyed are life we really.”
Burdick was released on a written promise to appear in court, with his first appearance scheduled for Sept. 22 at the Davidson County Courthouse.
Detectives believe there could additional victims in this investigation.
They’ve already spoken with a fourth woman who claims she was involved in a relationship with Burdick.
If convicted, he could face a minimum of three to twelve months jail time.
If you or someone you know has been legally married without a divorce to Burdick, contact Det. Foushee at the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office 336-236-3365.
VIDEO: Man accused of polygamy, mistreating children talks to Eyewitness News
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