Indiana woman accused of marrying her biological father

HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – A Tell City woman is facing charges of bigamy in Vanderburgh County for allegedly marrying her biological father.

According to an affidavit, Vanderburgh County court officials sent information to Evansville Police regarding potential issues with a marriage license application completed between Kimberly Tempel and Bradly McCollom.

Officials state there were issues regarding convicted sex or violent offender status questions. Officials say Tempel, 44, and McCollom were biological father and daughter. However, officials also say Tempel and McCollom said on the application that they were no closer than second cousins.

Officials say Tempel was married to someone else at the time of the application. She and McCollom reportedly filled out the application in Vanderburgh County on July 26, 2024 and got married by the Warrick County clerk the same day.

The affidavit states McCollom claimed he had a Vanderburgh County address, but according to a Perry County Court docket, he gave a Tell City address.

One DNA service reportedly showed that Tempel shares 28.39% of her DNA, and a paternity test claimed the probability that McCollom and Tempel were father and daughter were greater than 99.99%

EPD says McCollom and Tempel were estranged when he went to prison for federal charges, and upon release, Tempel moved in with him.

The affidavit also says the reason for the marriage was to receive McCollom’s monthly VA benefits while he was back in prison for a probation violation.

Tempel has since been released from custody. McCollom is also facing charges of providing false information in marriage license application.

Eyewitness News has received information from someone with knowledge of the case, claiming said accusations to be false. Eyewitness News also has received documentation from this person that appears to show a test from DNA Diagnostics Center that claims McCollom is not the father. We have not been able to verify these claims so far are waiting to hear back for more information.