Judge weds couple, sentences groom to prison

[September 15, 2012]  OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Talk about the old ball and chain.

A judge sentenced an Oklahoma man to four years in federal prison on a firearm charge -- then minutes later performed a marriage ceremony to wed the new inmate and his longtime girlfriend.

Thursday was a busy day for Larry Austin and Dustie Trojack. First they obtained their marriage license, then Austin pleaded guilty to the firearm charge and was sentenced by Oklahoma County Judge Jerry Bass. Shortly afterward, Bass married the happy couple, who kissed before federal authorities whisked Austin away.

Austin's attorney, Scott M. Anderson, tells The Oklahoman (http://is.gd/7kXI74) that Austin had helped to raise Trojack's two sons and he didn't want to lose contact with them while he was serving time.

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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com/

[Associated Press]

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