A Texas man was stunned to discover he had been legally married, without his consent or knowledge, just days after ending his engagement.
The 42-year-old man, whose name has not been released to prevent potential harassment, told police that while he and his 36-year-old fiancée, Marie Spearman, did apply for a marriage license around June 2 during a visit to the McLennan County Clerk’s Office, they never followed through with a wedding.
Their relationship ended shortly thereafter, he said, following an argument in which he expressed he no longer wished to be with her. However, the feeling was clearly not mutual for Spearman.
In fact, according to Fox 44, she allegedly sent her ex-fiancé a package from Bath & Body Works on June 13 that included not only personal care items, but also a shocking surprise: a copy of an officiated marriage license bearing both of their names. The gift bag also reportedly contained a photo of Spearman proudly holding up the legal document.
Beverly Hills Police Chief Kory Martin explained that she went behind her ex’s back and somehow convinced a pastor to certify their marriage, even though the man was neither present nor aware that any ceremony had occurred.
“In 23 years, I’ve never seen anything like this, someone managing to get married without the other person being there,” Chief Martin told the outlet.
After securing the pastor’s signature, Spearman then took the completed marriage license to her local county clerk’s office and had it officially filed, police said, per KESQ.
The man reportedly learned of the fraudulent marriage only after the breakup, when the paperwork was delivered to his home.
“He’s now facing a lengthy and complicated process to undo this,” Martin added. “Beyond the legal implications, there are concerns about his safety, his property, and what it takes to reverse something like this.”
Spearman has been arrested and charged with third-degree felony stalking. She was booked into the McLennan County Jail, and legal proceedings are now underway.