Stars of New TLC Reality Show Sister Wives Investigated in Utah for Bigamy

The star's of the new TLC reality show Sister Wives have come under fire with local investigators in Lehi, Utah on allegations of felony Bigamy. With the show just starting, and already bringing in positive ratings, the stars admitted in an interview that while the negative attention is unfortunate, they have nothing to be ashamed of.

The series features salesman Kody Brown, his four wives and their combined family of 13 children and 3 step children living together in Utah. The family has said they are living within their Mormon beliefs and welcome the investigation into their private lives in an effort to clear them.

The Brown family released a statement to PopEater and People Magazine saying, "We are disappointed in the announcement of an investigation, but when we decided to do this show, we knew there would be risks. But for the sake of our family, and most importantly, our kids, we felt it was a risk worth taking."

Police in Lehi told People Magazine that while the family was already under investigation for some time before the Sunday night premier on TLC, they received numerous calls concerning the family after the show aired and will be following up on each of those calls during the investigation.

Lt. Darren Paul told People Magazine, "At the conclusion of the investigation, the evidence will be forwarded to the Utah County Attorney's Office for review and possible prosecution." According to the law in Utah bigamy is classified as a third-degree felony, but isn't often investigated unless there are calls placed to Police concerning the welfare of children or adults in a possibly abusive situation..

Janelle Brown, one of Kody Brown's wives, said in a statement to PopEater, "If we raise productive, contributing members of society who are moral and ethical, that's our final goal, whatever their path is."

Kody also has three other wives, Meri, Christine and Robyn. According to court records, while the other three marriages were recorded in Utah, Kody is considered only legally married to Meri, who was his first wife. The Brown family said they will lead a lifestyle that they want, even if it means breaking away from tradition of society and the Mormon Church.