A La Porte County, Indiana court official is taking legal action to block the marriage of a man classified as a sexually violent predator to a 22-year-old woman. Concerns for the woman’s welfare, particularly due to a prior court ruling regarding her competency, prompted the intervention.

Arrest for False Information

Bradley D. Armstrong, 66, was arrested on March 17 at the La Porte County Courthouse just before his scheduled wedding. The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office reported that Armstrong allegedly submitted a falsified marriage license application.

The Sheriff’s Office likened the situation to a scene from the movie 'Wedding Crashers'. Armstrong failed to disclose his status as a convicted violent sex offender on the application. He was subsequently charged with providing false information on a marriage license application, a Level 6 felony in Indiana.

Court Motion to Prevent Marriage

On March 30, La Porte County Clerk Heather Stevens filed a motion to prevent the marriage. Stevens expressed confidence in the court’s ability to make the correct decision, stating, “It is in the hands of the court.”

Vulnerability and Guardianship

Stevens explained her concern for the woman’s wellbeing was the driving force behind the motion. The woman is reportedly pregnant with Armstrong’s child. A 2021 court ruling had declared her 'incompetent' due to medical conditions, and her parents remain her legal guardians.

Stevens argued her position as a court official allows her to act as a “superior guardian” in the woman’s best interests. This highlights the responsibility of court officials to protect vulnerable individuals.

Criminal History and Additional Charges

Armstrong was convicted of child molestation in 2002 and is currently listed as a “sexually violent predator” on the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office sex offender registry. This designation reflects the severity of his past offenses.

Following his initial arrest, Armstrong was again arrested on April 1 and charged with failure of a sex offender to possess a valid identification, another Level 6 felony. He is representing himself in the ongoing criminal cases, according to court records.