A Florida man was sentenced this week after authorities discovered he was married to three women at the same time, none of whom were aware of the others until long after legal proceedings had concluded.
In May, Henry Betsey Jr., 50, pleaded “nolo contendere” to felony bigamy, which means he accepted the penalty without accepting or denying responsibility for the charge.
He received a two-year probation sentence on Thursday, according to Hernando County court records. He will be registered as a convicted felon.
Michele Narens and Henry Betsey were married in Hernando County on November 23, 2022, according to WFTS, Tampa Bay’s ABC affiliate. The new wife stated that they met on Match.com and were married within three weeks.
Everything changed when she discovered that he was still married to another woman.
Brandy Allen married Henry Betsey on February 22, 2022, in Manatee County, Florida, according to their marriage license, which Law&Crime reviewed. They, too, are said to have met through a dating app, this time Stir, which is designed for single parents.
“He said all the right things,” commented the woman who had legally changed her name to Brandy Betsey. “We got married right there in the courthouse, no questions asked. There was nothing in the system that indicated he had two prior open marriage licenses.”
Allen told WFTS the entire process took 15 minutes. However, before Michele Betsey entered the picture, Henry Betsey had given his last name to another woman. Tonya Betsey is said to have realized her husband’s actions last year.
Tonya Betsey and Henry Betsey reportedly married in Duval County, Florida, in November 2020, after meeting on Tinder. “The way he portrayed himself, he sold the perfect person,” she told the local outlet, “when in reality he was none of those things.”
Michele Betsey said: Tonya Betsey found her and contacted her.
“And I had no idea that she was still married to him,” the newest wife said.
Henry Betsey was arrested in Seminole County, Florida, on October 23, 2024, when he arrived at the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office headquarters and “advised that he was currently wanted and wished to turn himself in,” according to county court documents.
The women reportedly thought he married them for money, not love.
“The day we got married, he said, ‘We need to make your bank account into a joint bank account,'” Brandy Betsey told WFTS.
According to the local television station, Henry filed for divorce from Tonya following his arrest and is currently working to annul his other two marriages. Michele Betsey did not believe he was sincere when he apologized to the women and everyone else involved in court on Thursday.
“The fact that he is now a convicted felon speaks volumes.” “And I believe that is vindication on our part,” she said. “Do I think he has any regrets?” “Certainly not.”
