Makeshift wedding at jail

CINCINNATI (AP) — One way or another, it’s liable to be a long hitch for an inmate at the Hamilton County jail.

Antonio Harris, 34, of suburban Lincoln Heights, is awaiting trial and a possible 38-year sentence if convicted on the drug trafficking and weapons charges he faces.

He was supposed to marry Aretha Thomas, 32, on Monday night in an at-home ceremony. But that morning, his bail was increased to $200,000.

Since Harris was unable to make bond, he and Thomas were married Wednesday in the courtroom of Common Pleas Judge Steve Martin.

Instead of a tux, the groom wore jail-issue black and white stripes, his wrists cuffed in front of him. The bride’s ensemble was a polo shirt, jeans and tennis shoes.

The newlyweds were allowed a brief kiss before Harris was returned to his cell.

“I know it’s kind of unusual,” Thomas said. “But that’s everyday life. You never know what will happen.”

The couple had been engaged 11 years and have two children.

“I’m on top of the world,” Harris said. “It doesn’t matter what I am wearing, she makes me feel warm inside.”

Harris faces a six-count indictment, including charges of trafficking in cocaine and marijuana, possession of both drugs and illegally having a weapon after a previous felony conviction.