An alleged bigamist, known as the “Cupid of Chaos,” was in court Friday.
Investigators say 43-year-old Michael Middleton, whose last known address is in Maine, has been arrested in at least nine states.
Last month, while behind bars in Ohio, he agreed to be returned to New Hampshire to face the bigamy charge.
Michael Middleton is charged with marrying three different women in three states. There may even be a fourth wife, according to Friday court proceedings.
Wearing his jail uniform and restraints, Michael Middleton entered the courtroom for his bail hearing Friday afternoon.
The defendant is accused of bigamy, a Class B felony in New Hampshire with a penalty of three and a half to seven years in prison.
Prosecutors allege he married Katherine Lashley in 2006.
“She told me that she had been looking for him for a number of years. I think she said about 10,” County Investigator Francis Winterer said.
Three or four years later, he allegedly married Cassandra Shipley.
“No one was ever able to find him. So she has never received any child support from him,” Winterer said.
Prosecutors say in 2013, he married Alicia Grant from Dover, and investigators say they just learned of a fourth wife in Kentucky, Ashley Klimmer.
“She married on 4-11-16 in Whitely County, Kentucky,” Winterer said. “Michael Middleton.”
In court, the defense says Mr. Middleton thought he had divorced all the women.
Prosecutors argued for no bail.
They say Middleton has a history of skipping town and call him a flight risk.
“When I asked him where he was or if he could give me any information as to his location, he simply said ‘I’m a long way from there,’” Dover Police Sgt. Matthew Travaglini said.
Prosecutors also say Middleton poses a significant danger to the community and has a history of alleged assaults against his former wives.
“He reached over, opened the door and pushed her out,” Winterer said. “He kicked her in the stomach. He threatened to slit her throat.”
The judge agreed with prosecutors.
Even so, the judge set bail at $1,000 with a number of conditions, including 24-hour GPS monitoring.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and would like to talk with an advocate, call 866-834-4357, TRS 800-787-3224. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 and is accessible from anywhere in Maine.