Insight into the Arrest of Americans for Ammo Possession in Turks and Caicos

Five Americans were recently arrested in Turks and Caicos due to the territory's strict gun control laws. Bringing firearms or ammunition without permission from the police is considered a serious offense, punishable by a mandatory 12-year prison sentence.

The individuals arrested were Michael Lee Evans, 72, from Texas; Sharitta Grier, 45, from Florida; Bryan Hagerich from Pennsylvania; Ryan Tyler Watson, 40, from Oklahoma; and Tyler Wenrich, 31, from Virginia. They were accused of attempting to bring various amounts of ammunition to Turks and Caicos, which is a chain of 40 islands located southeast of the Bahamas.

While some have pleaded guilty, paid fines or returned to the US, others await trial with the road ahead unclear.

Tyler Scott Wenrich

Tyler Scott Wenrich

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force

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But one thing is certain: American lawmakers are advocating for the quick release of the individuals who claim that the ammunition found in their luggage was not deliberately packed.

Here is what we currently understand about the Americans involved and the legal situation in Turks and Caicos:

Turks and Caicos does not have a constitutional right to carry firearms. Despite not producing firearms or ammunition locally, there has been a rise in the number of firearms being brought to the islands, according to Premier Washington Misick. This is a concern for the British Overseas Territory.

In the US, it is allowed to travel with unloaded firearms and ammunition in checked baggage, as stated by the Transportation Security Administration. However, bringing firearms or ammunition into Turks and Caicos without permission from the police is considered illegal.

The Turks and Caicos Island Government enforces a minimum custodial sentence of 12 years and a fine for offenses related to firearms and ammunition.

Gov. Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam emphasized the importance of the mandatory sentence to ensure the safety of those living on the islands. She also mentioned that judges have the authority to consider reduced sentences in unique cases.

However, the Turks and Caicos premier stated that no group should receive preferential treatment under the law.

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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“The law must be applied even-handedly,” Misick said.

Turks and Caicos officials clarified that US citizens are not being singled out for prosecution. According to Misick, out of the 195 individuals convicted of firearm-related crimes in the last six years, only seven were Americans. None of these Americans received the 12-year sentence.

Misick explained that although the US and Turks and Caicos work together on fighting narcotics, terrorism, and money laundering, there are differences in their laws and processes.

He emphasized that Turks and Caicos is a separate sovereignty and they always respect the laws of the United States, never intending to interfere in its operations.

Here’s what we know so far about the Americans and the laws in Turks and Caicos:

A US congressional delegation visited Turks and Caicos this week to discuss the recent arrests of US citizens.

A US congressional delegation visited Turks and Caicos this week to discuss the recent arrests of US citizens.

From Turks and Caicos Islands Governor's Office/Facebook

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Bryan Hagerich was the first of the five to come back to Pennsylvania. He got a suspended 52-week sentence on Friday, so he didn't have to go to jail right away, according to his representatives. In addition, he was fined $6,700.

The father of two admitted to having 20 rounds of ammunition, as reported by the Turks and Caicos government. Hagerich paid the fine and was permitted to depart from the British Overseas Territory.

According to Johnathan Franks, a spokesperson for the Bring Our Families Home Campaign, a group that assists wrongly imprisoned Americans in obtaining their freedom, Hagerich flew back home on Friday afternoon.

"We have so much to catch up on," Hagerich exclaimed upon reuniting with his children. "There are so many memories to create together. I am just overjoyed to see them. They have been incredibly strong throughout all of this."

After arriving at Pittsburgh International Airport on Friday night, Hagerich shared with reporters that he was "completely thrilled" to have his two children leap into his arms, as reported by CNN affiliate WTAE.

Bryan Hagerich hugs his children, Palmer, 4, left, and Caroline, 6, right, after arriving at Pittsburgh International Airport Friday, May 24, 2024, in Pittsburgh.

Bryan Hagerich hugs his children, Palmer, 4, left, and Caroline, 6, right, after arriving at Pittsburgh International Airport Friday, May 24, 2024, in Pittsburgh.

Before Hagerich’s sentencing, his wife prepared two suitcases - one for prison and one for returning home. They were uncertain about the judge's ruling when they entered the courtroom on Friday. In an exclusive interview with “Good Morning America,” they shared their experience.

Hagerich recalled his week-long stay in jail in Turks and Caicos as a dark and disorienting experience. He mentioned that he had no concept of time during his confinement and was surrounded by three individuals who were accused of murder. The situation was frightening for him.

Wenrich admitted to having ammunition while visiting Turks and Caicos and was given a three-week jail term and a fine. The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands announced on Tuesday that the Virginia resident was fined $9,000, according to Kimo Tynes, the director of communications.

Since he had already served three weeks in jail, the court recognized it as time served and he won’t be immediately incarcerated, the release said.

Tyler Scott Wenrich

Tyler Scott Wenrich

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force

The Turks and Caicos government charged Wenrich with possession of two 9mm rounds. The Hon. Justice Davidson Baptiste mentioned exceptional circumstances in Wenrich's case, stating that enforcing the mandatory minimum would have been arbitrary and disproportionate, and not in the public interest.

Michael Lee Evans

Evans, 72, pleaded guilty to possession of seven 9mm rounds of ammunition and appeared before the court on April 24 via video conference.

Ryan Tyler Watson was granted permission to go back to the US on bail because of a serious medical issue, according to his lawyer Oliver Smith, King’s Counsel. However, he must come back to Turks and Caicos for his next court appearance scheduled for June 18.

Ryan Tyler Watson

Ryan Tyler Watson

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force

Watson, who lives in Oklahoma, was charged with possession of four rounds of ammunition.

The 40-year-old appeared in court on April 24 and is currently out on bail, according to the TCGI.

Watson pleaded guilty at a hearing in Tynes on Tuesday, as confirmed by the communications office of the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands to CNN. He is scheduled to be sentenced in June.

Sharitta Shinese Grier

Sharitta Shinese Grier

Sharitta Shinese Grier

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force

Grier is currently out on bail, waiting for trial after being arrested two weeks ago, as reported by Tynes.

When she traveled to Turks and Caicos, the Florida mother was unaware that two rounds of ammunition were hidden at the bottom of her luggage, as she revealed to CNN affiliate WFTV earlier this month.

“I was so shocked because I never expected it to be there,” she shared. “They searched my bag and claimed they discovered ammunition at the bottom of my carry-on.”

According to the station, Grier was able to post bail. However, she is not allowed to leave the island until her case is resolved and is required to check in at a nearby police station every week.

“I’m just broken,” Grier said.

Grier’s next court appearance is on July 5, police said.

US lawmakers tried to free Americans

A US congressional delegation traveled to the islands last week and asked for the charges for the five Americans to be dropped.

Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin expressed his disappointment in a statement, mentioning the challenges in working with Turks and Caicos officials to bring back their constituents home.

Republican Congressman Rep. Guy Reschenthaler shared in an interview with ABC News last week about the concerning trend of Americans being wrongfully detained in Turks and Caicos, happening almost every third week.

Reschenthaler informed CNN that the prison on Turks and Caicos has been identified by the UN for humanitarian issues.

During a House of Assembly speech, Misick of the islands stated, "The claims made by congressman Guy Reschenthaler against the government and residents of Turks and Caicos Islands are simply untrue."

Reschenthaler expressed to CNN’s Manu Raju his desire for Americans involved to receive no jail time but instead be released with credit for time served and sent back to the United States.

He emphasized that these were innocent errors and in any other country, the situation would be resolved with a fine and sending the individual back to their home country, which is not the case in this situation.

Mullin was happy to hear about Wenrich's release on Tuesday. He mentioned that it was "another step in the right direction," as reported on X.

Mullin also urged TCI to consider the unintended consequences of their law to avoid similar situations in the future.

CNN’s Sahar Akbarzai, Michael Rios, Holly Yan, Fabiana Chaparro, Amanda Musa and AnneClaire Stapleton contributed to this report.

Editor's P/S:

The strict gun control laws enforced in Turks and Caicos have led to the recent arrests of five Americans. While some have faced penalties, others await trial, highlighting the significant consequences of violating these laws. The mandatory 12-year prison sentence for firearms offenses has raised concerns, particularly among US lawmakers who advocate for the release of the detained Americans.

This incident underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to local laws when traveling abroad. It also brings into question the potential for cultural differences in legal systems, which can lead to unintended consequences. The case of the Americans in Turks and Caicos serves as a reminder to exercise caution when transporting firearms or ammunition across borders, as even unintentional possession can result in severe penalties.