Full Breakdown
Groom Arrested for Falsifying Marriage License Just Before Wedding
3/20/2026, 1:59:28 AM
Arrest Details and Charges
On March 17, 2026, Bradley D. Armstrong, 66, was arrested moments before his wedding at the La Porte County Courthouse in Indiana. The La Porte County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest via a Facebook post, likening the incident to a scene from the film *Wedding Crashers*. Armstrong was charged with falsifying his marriage license application, a Level 6 felony, after allegedly failing to disclose his status as a sexual violent predator on the application. This status stems from a conviction for child molesting in 2002, for which he received a suspended seven-year sentence and was placed on the sex and violent offender registry in March 2004.
Background of the Offender
Bradley D. Armstrong was convicted of child molesting on May 17, 2002. Following his conviction, he was sentenced to seven years in prison, which was suspended, and he was placed on probation for an additional seven years. He was released from custody in March 2004 and subsequently registered as a sexual violent predator. The recent arrest was prompted by a criminal investigation that revealed Armstrong's failure to disclose his offender status when applying for a marriage license.
Law Enforcement's Approach
The La Porte County Sheriff's Office, while announcing the arrest, maintained a lighthearted tone, stating that the situation was "something straight out of the Wedding Crashers film." Sergeant Swanson and Deputy Ryan, who executed the arrest, were humorously referred to as the "in-house crashers." The sheriff's office emphasized that "arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations," reiterating the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law.
Legal Proceedings and Bail
Following his arrest, Armstrong was booked into the La Porte County Jail, where his bail was set at $755 in cash. The legal proceedings surrounding the falsification charge will determine the outcome of this case, as Armstrong faces potential consequences for not disclosing his criminal history.
Criticism and Public Reaction
While the sheriff's office's announcement was met with humor, the underlying seriousness of the situation has drawn attention to issues surrounding the disclosure of criminal histories in marriage applications. Critics may argue that such incidents highlight gaps in the system that allow individuals with serious convictions to attempt to enter into marriage without proper disclosure.
Conclusion
The arrest of Bradley D. Armstrong just before his wedding underscores the importance of transparency in legal matters, particularly concerning individuals with significant criminal backgrounds. As the case unfolds, it raises questions about the safeguards in place to protect the integrity of marriage licenses and the responsibilities of applicants to disclose their histories.
