(Thumbnail Image: TLC)

BY CHANCE SEALES

TLC’s big new family could be in big fat trouble.  ‘Sister Wives’ follows the lives of a polygamous Utah family – Kody Brown and four wives.  But not everyone’s a fan.  Namely – the Lehi Police Department.  HLN explains why they might be after the Browns.

“Utah police say they started looking into Kody Brown and his four wives before the show premiered on TLC on Sunday.  The Browns have 13 children, three stepchildren.  Bigamy is a third degree felony in Utah, but it’s rarely investigated.”

But are the Browns really breaking the law?  WXIN says – maybe not.

“Kody Brown is legally married to only one woman, but on the TLC show, ‘Sister Wives,’ the adults talk openly about four wives.”

“Evidence will be forwarded to prosecutors who will decide whether to file charges.  The family says they are just living their faith and decided to go ahead with the show despite the legal risks.”

Yes, there’s only one marriage certificate.  But The Salt Lake Tribune point out – the Browns still aren’t in the clear.

“Utah code defines bigamy through cohabitation, not just through legal marriage contracts.”

And Salt Lake’s KSL talks to the wives who say – they were prepared for – but not inviting -- a legal battle.

JANELLE, SECOND WIFE:  “That was part of the risk assessment that we did.  I mean, cause yes, of course that is a possibility.”

CHRISTINE, THIRD WIFE:  “We’re not living this lifestyle because of disrespect for the law in any way.  We’re law-abiding citizens.  We’re doing this out of our faith.  It’s just a belief that we have.”

Never missing a good scandal, publicity hound Perez Hilton takes a jab at the Lehi Police Department – and predicts a ratings boost.

“Make sure to record next week's episode to add to the evidence pile! That'll sure help your case! …Good luck!  P.S. - Anyone else smelling the makings of the season finale???”

Finally, the investigation is getting plenty of hype.  But Salt Lake’s KSTU talked to official sources who say – don’t expect it go anywhere.

“As for the Utah Attorney General, a spokeswoman tells Fox 13, they will not go after consenting adults that are living together.  Spokesman Paul Murphy says their focus is on prosecuting child abuse, domestic violence and welfare fraud involving polygamy.”

So do you think the Browns are headed for trouble?  Or is the investigation just for appearances?