Judge reassigned for abuse suspect wedding

BALTIMORE, March 18 (UPI) -- A judge in Maryland who married a domestic-violence suspect and the suspect's alleged victim has been reassigned to chambers work, court officials said.

Last week during a hearing in Baltimore County district court, Judge Darrell Russell accepted the request of a man accused of domestic violence to marry his alleged victim, WBAL-TV, Baltimore, reported.

Russell gave the couple time to acquire a marriage license and then married them on the same day of the abuse hearing.

"Mr. Wood, I found you not guilty, so I can't sentence you as a defendant in any crimes, but earlier today, I sentenced you to life married to her," Russell said.

Russell's action was greeted with strong criticism from advocates for victims of domestic abuse.

"Judge Russell seemed to actively participate in the defense in this case," former Baltimore County prosecutor Steve Bailey said. "He facilitated a marriage, which resulted in an acquittal. I was offended and embarrassed to be a lawyer affiliated with the criminal justice system."

Russell has been removed from hearing cases indefinitely.