Additional Coverage:
An American, identified as Ryan Watson from Oklahoma, recently received a 13-week suspended sentence and was ordered to pay a $2,000 fine by the courts in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This comes after Watson was detained for having four rounds of ammunition in his carry-on luggage during a trip to the British overseas territory with his wife earlier this year. Watson, who had been on bail for several weeks and unable to reunite with his family in the U.S., had entered a guilty plea which could have led to a more severe prison term.
Jonathan Franks, speaking on behalf of Watson, stated through social media that the judge deemed the case to have unique circumstances, arguing that a longer sentence would be unjustified. “Payment will be made soon, and we plan to leave the Turks and Caicos Islands, hoping to be back in Oklahoma City tonight,” Franks announced.
Following the hearing, the Watsons shared their emotions with the press. Ryan expressed relief and gratitude for the support from both Oklahoma and people across the U.S., stating, “It was a stressful period, especially with the potential of a 12-year sentence looming over us, but I’m grateful for the judge’s comprehensive view.
We’re eager to return home to our children.” Valerie Watson echoed this sentiment, highlighting the immense relief they felt.
The incident involving Watson occurred on April 12 when he and his spouse were attempting to return from their vacation, and security discovered the ammunition in his luggage. Although his wife, Valerie, faced no charges and was allowed to return, Ryan described the event as an unintentional mistake.
This case follows similar incidents involving Americans on the islands. Another American, Bryan Hagerich of Pennsylvania, was given a suspended sentence and fined $6,700 for having 20 rifle rounds in his luggage during a family trip. Tyler Wenrich from Virginia faced time served and a $9,000 fine for possessing two 9mm rounds discovered in his backpack while boarding a cruise ship.
The sentences for Hagerich and Wenrich come after discussions of mandatory minimum sentences for firearm offenses in the territory. Recent legislative changes, prompted by advocacy from U.S. Congress members for leniency, now allow judges more discretion in such cases, considering unique circumstances.
Additionally, the cases of other Americans, including Florida grandmother Sharitta Grier, arrested for having bullets in her luggage, and Michael Lee Evans from Texas, who was allowed back to the U.S. for medical reasons while on bail, highlight the ongoing issue of Americans facing severe penalties for ammunition possession in the Turks and Caicos Islands.