Indiana Man Arrested at Courthouse Wedding for Alleged Marriage License Falsification
A 66-year-old Indiana man was arrested at the La Porte County Courthouse on March 17, 2026, just moments before his wedding ceremony was scheduled to begin.
Bradley D. Armstrong was taken into custody by Sergeant Swanson and Deputy Ryan of the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office.
The arrest was executed based on an active warrant alleging that Armstrong had falsified his marriage license application.
Under Indiana law, individuals applying for a marriage license must disclose if they are registered as a Sex and Violent Offender.
Failing to provide this information is classified as a Level 6 felony within the state.
Investigators determined that Armstrong failed to disclose his status as a lifetime registrant during the application process.
Background and Legal History
Armstrong’s requirement to register stems from a May 2002 conviction for child molesting.
At that time, he received a suspended seven-year prison sentence and seven years of probation.
Following his release in March 2004, state law mandated that he remain on the sex offender registry for life.
Public Record and Social Media Response
The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office later addressed the incident in a statement released on social media platforms.
Officials described the timing of the arrest as unusual, noting that deputies arrived as the wedding preparations were concluding.
News of the arrest quickly circulated on digital platforms, where the story gained significant national traction after being shared by major outlets.
Public reaction has largely centered on the legal requirements for registered offenders and the timing of the law enforcement intervention.
Observers have noted the procedural nature of the arrest and the specific requirements of Indiana’s marriage disclosure laws.
Current Legal Status
Following the arrest, Armstrong was booked into the La Porte County Jail.
Records indicate he posted a $755 bail on the same day and was subsequently released from custody.
It remains unconfirmed whether the intended bride was aware of Armstrong’s criminal history prior to the police intervention.
No public statements have been issued by family members regarding the event or the status of the relationship.
The case has attracted attention from local and national news organizations due to the specific circumstances of the law enforcement action.