An Indiana man has been arrested just moments before his wedding, leading to a judicial review that could prevent him from marrying his intended bride, a woman who is currently 10 weeks pregnant with his child. Bradley D. Armstrong, aged 66, was taken into custody on March 17 at the La Porte County Courthouse by officers from the local sheriff’s office.
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Armstrong’s arrest stemmed from allegations that he failed to disclose his status as a sexual violent offender on his marriage licence application. The former child molester, who was convicted in 2002, is listed on the sex and violent offender registry, and providing false information on a marriage application is classified as a level 6 felony in Indiana.
In the wake of Armstrong’s arrest, La Porte County Clerk Heather Stevens filed a legal motion to block the marriage altogether. The bride, a 22-year-old woman described as having multiple disabilities, was deemed legally incompetent in 2021 due to various medical conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and a history of depression.
The county clerk took action following her discovery that the intended bride is pregnant. Stevens expressed her concerns and noted several “red flags” surrounding the situation. “It is in the hands of the court,” Stevens stated confidently, suggesting that she believes the judiciary will make the right decision regarding the union.
Court records reveal that the bride’s parents were assigned as her legal guardians following her declaration of incompetence. While the exact feelings of her parents regarding Armstrong are unknown, Stevens pointed out that, in such cases, the court acts as the “superior guardian” and carries the authority to override parental decisions.
The motion to prevent the marriage was presented to Judge Julianne Havens during a court hearing held on March 30. The court is scheduled to reconvene in May to explore the complexities of the woman’s guardianship and the implications for her proposed marriage to Armstrong.
The county’s clerk’s office has stated that they will not issue a marriage licence to Armstrong and the bride, as Indiana law prohibits such actions for anyone classified as legally incompetent. This legal framework aims to protect vulnerable individuals, ensuring that significant life decisions, such as marriage, are made with full understanding and consent.
Armstrong was released from custody the day after his wedding was initially planned, having posted a cash bond of $750. This case has raised serious ethical and legal questions about consent, guardianship, and the responsibilities associated with marriage, particularly when one party is deemed incapable of making informed decisions.
As the situation develops, members of the community are left to ponder the implications of such cases and the safeguards in place to protect those who may be vulnerable in similar circumstances. The court’s upcoming hearing will likely attract further scrutiny and debate surrounding the legalities of marriage for individuals with cognitive impairments.
The story continues to unfold as observers await the court’s decision, which will not only affect Armstrong and his bride but also set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.