American Tyler Wenrich Sentenced to Time Served and $9K Fine for Illegal Ammunition Possession in Turks and Caicos

American Tyler Wenrich was sentenced to three weeks in jail and fined after pleading guilty to possession of ammunition while traveling to Turks and Caicos. The Virginia resident was fined $9,000, according to Kimo Tynes, the director of communications for the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Since he had already spent three weeks in jail, the court considered it as time served, completing his prison sentence.

The 31-year-old American was potentially looking at a 12-year prison term. However, Hon. Justice Davidson Baptiste recognized special circumstances in Wenrich’s situation. He expressed that enforcing the mandatory minimum sentence would have been unfair and excessive, and not in the best interest of the public.

Tynes confirmed to CNN that a hearing for another American, Ryan Tyler Watson, was scheduled for Tuesday and is still ongoing.

In recent months, three Americans were arrested and accused of bringing in different amounts of ammunition to the 40-island chain southeast of the Bahamas.

Two of them have pleaded guilty and are currently out on bail, waiting for their sentencing. The third person has already pleaded guilty, been sentenced, and has returned back to the US.

It is important to note that bringing firearms or ammunition into Turks and Caicos without prior permission from police is against the law, as stated by the government.

In Turks and Caicos, possessing firearms or ammunition can result in a minimum 12-year sentence, although there is a possibility of receiving a reduced sentence under certain circumstances deemed exceptional.

Bryan Hagerich, with his wife, Ashley, after arriving at Pittsburgh International Airport on Friday.

Bryan Hagerich, with his wife, Ashley, after arriving at Pittsburgh International Airport on Friday.

Matt Freed/AP

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American who was caught carrying ammunition in Turks and Caicos has been given a suspended sentence and is now on their way back home. It is uncertain what will happen to the other individuals who were also charged in the incident.

Despite the fact that Turks and Caicos does not produce firearms or ammunition, there has been a rise in the number of guns that are being smuggled into the islands, according to Misick. In comparison, the United States has a higher number of guns than it does people.

Bryan Hagerich from Pennsylvania pleaded guilty on Friday and was given a 52-week suspended sentence and a $6,700 fine. After paying the fine, he went back to the United States.

Another American, Michael Lee Evans, also pleaded guilty to possessing ammunition while in Turks and Caicos, as reported by the territory's government.

Evans was given permission to go back to the US due to a serious medical issue, but he will have to go back to Turks and Caicos for his next court appearance, according to attorney Oliver Smith who spoke to CNN. The rest of the group is still in Turks and Caicos.

Another American, Sharitta Shinese Grier, was arrested last week and is currently out on bail while waiting for her trial, as shared by Tynes​​​​ from the Office of the Premier and Public Policy.

The mandatory minimum 12-year sentence for possession of firearms or ammunition is in place to protect those on the islands, according to Turks and Caicos Gov. Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam. Judges have the authority to decide on lesser sentences, she added.

Turks and Caicos officials clarified that US citizens are not being singled out. Out of 195 individuals sentenced for firearm-related offenses in the past six years, only seven were US citizens, stated Misick on Thursday. To date, no US citizen has been given the mandatory 12-year sentence.

CNN’s Michael Rios, Holly Yan and AnneClaire Stapleton contributed to this report.

Editor's P/S:

The recent arrests of American citizens for possession of ammunition in Turks and Caicos highlight the country's strict gun laws and the potential consequences for violating them. Despite the mandatory 12-year minimum sentence, the judge in Tyler Wenrich's case recognized exceptional circumstances and sentenced him to a lesser term, demonstrating that the law allows for discretion in certain situations.

It is important to note that the mandatory minimum sentence is intended to protect the safety of the islands and that US citizens are not being specifically targeted. By enforcing strict gun laws, Turks and Caicos aims to prevent the proliferation of firearms and ammunition, which could lead to increased crime and violence. While the situation faced by these American citizens is unfortunate, it underscores the importance of respecting the laws of the country one is visiting, particularly when it comes to sensitive issues like firearms.