Alleged TN Bigamist Bond Increased--Considered Flight Risk

A man charged with bigamy was seen as a flight risk when he appeared in General Sessions Court on Thursday.

Harold Garth Jr., 47, a minister, was taken into custody and his bond was raised from $500 to $50,000. A new hearing date has been set for Jan. 30.

Two women have accused Garth of being married to both of them. Garth claims he divorced one of the women before marrying the other.

One of the two women claiming to be his wife appeared in court on Thursday. His current girlfriend and mother were both there as well.

Mary Lou Garth said she married Garth in September of 2006. She said they later separated, but did not get a divorce.

She said at work she recently met Patricia Garth, who also said she is married to Harold Garth.

The women exchanged notes and then decided to go to the courthouse together to take action to seek the criminal action.

Harold Garth and Patricia were married in 2000, but allegedly did not get a divorce.

The two women said they found that Garth allegedly married Shannne Renee Garth in 1988 and also did not get a divorce from her.

Mr. Garth was seen as a flight risk because he is wanted on charges in Fulton County, Ga., authorities said.

From The Chattanoogan.com