Groom Arrested Moments Before Wedding for Failing to Disclose Pedophile Past

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A 66-year-old man named Bradley D. Armstrong was arrested just moments before his wedding ceremony at the La Porte County Courthouse in Indiana. Armstrong was charged with falsifying a marriage license application by failing to reveal that he is a registered sex offender and convicted pedophile, required to be on Indiana's Sex and Violent Offender Registry for life.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of full disclosure in marriage applications and the need to protect vulnerable individuals, especially children, from registered sex offenders. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's handling of pedophiles and whether more stringent monitoring or restrictions should be in place.

The details

According to police, Armstrong was convicted of child molestation in May 2002 and sentenced to seven years in prison, suspended, plus another seven years of probation. He was released less than two years later, in March 2004, though it is unclear why he was allowed out so early. Armstrong was arrested just moments before his wedding ceremony and charged with falsifying a marriage license, a felony, for failing to reveal his status as a registered sex offender on the application.

• Armstrong was convicted of child molestation in May 2002.
• Armstrong was sentenced to seven years in prison, suspended, plus another seven years of probation in May 2002.
• Armstrong was released from custody less than two years later, in March 2004.
• Armstrong was arrested just moments before his wedding ceremony on Tuesday, March 19, 2026.

What’s next

It is unclear if Armstrong's wedding is still planned to proceed or if he will face additional charges or penalties for his failure to disclose his status as a registered sex offender.