GASTONIA, N.C. -- A Gaston County father of 11 is in custody on numerous charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Investigators say Johnny Eric Marlowe is a religious radical who believes in polygamy, and he may have mistreated his children.

Marlowe is accused of leaving his children, ages just under 2 to 11 years old, home alone while he took a day trip to Myrtle Beach with one of the two women he calls his wives.

On that day, authorities say, the children were forced to run into the woods near their home in Dallas when a burglar broke in.

Marlowe's neighbors said the children always stayed inside.

“The children, I never did really see them. I only saw their little faces through the glass. They would wave at me through the window,” said Viola Elliott.

She said Marlowe was afraid of anyone coming to the house at the back of a dead-end street.

“He was a person who believed in his religion very strongly,” Elliott said.

Those close to the case said Marlowe is a religious extremist who taught his children to hide from anyone connected to the government and refused to send them to school or give them medical treatment. Instead, investigators said, the children were told God would heal their wounds.

“He said he didn't believe in a marriage certificate. He just believed in living with the wives,” Elliott said.

According to prosecutors, Marlowe’s family lived several places for short periods of time, including Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Lenior, Hickory and Charlotte. He was discovered in Dallas last month when one of the wives reported that he was communicating threats.

The children, who were not being home schooled, were taken into foster care and later told police about the day their parents left them alone. They are reportedly loyal to their father, which is why the state wanted a high bond.

“If he was released, these children would be in danger even though they are in foster care right now,” said prosecutor Stephanie Hamlin.

Investigators said one of the women he called a wife has now left the family. They said the women appear to be victims and do not face any charges.

Marlowe told a judge Wednesday he doesn’t plan to hire an attorney and will represent himself. Investigators said he could face more charges.