Sister Wives Family Under Investigation for Bigamy

Atypical lifestyle of the stars of new TLC series is being closely watched

Big Love? Try big trouble.

The Utah family featured in TLC's Sister Wives, which debuted Sunday, are being investigated by police for—wait for it—felony bigamy, a third-degree felony in the state.

Sister Wives revolves around Kody Brown, his three (almost four) spouses—Meri, Janelle, Christine and Robyn—and the brood's 16 kids.

"At the conclusion of the investigation, the evidence will be forwarded to the Utah County Attorney's Office for review and possible prosecution," says Lehi City Police Lt. Darren Paul.

The crime of bigamy is rarely pursued in the state, but officials admit the investigation was spurred by all the hoopla over the show.

Meanwhile, the Brown family has released the following statement.

"We are disappointed in the announcement of an investigation," the family says. "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."

TLC, meanwhile, is just staying mum and, presumably, enjoying the free publicity.

(Originally published Sept. 28, 2010, at 8:27 a.m. PT)