According to a spokesperson, an American citizen was recently arrested in the Turks and Caicos Islands for possessing ammunition and has been given a suspended sentence of 13 weeks in prison and a fine of $2,000.
During their visit to the British territory earlier this year, Ryan Watson of Oklahoma and his wife were caught with four rounds of ammunition in his carry-on bag. This led to Watson pleading guilty and facing the possibility of a prison sentence.
Related posts
After spending weeks on bail while his case made its way through the legal system of the islands, Watson eagerly awaited a resolution. Unfortunately, he was unable to reunite with his wife, Valerie Watson, and their two children in the U.S. until his case was fully resolved.
Upon returning to the United States, Watson landed at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City late on Friday night, where he was greeted by a warm welcome from a large group of family and friends, as well as the Governor of Oklahoma, Kevin Stitt, and Senator James Lankford.
Upon his arrival, Watson expressed relief to reporters, stating that it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He also mentioned that despite his release, he still had concerns about his adopted sister Sharitta Grier’s pending case on similar charges in the islands. “We’ve still got to get Sharitta home, she’s my adopted sister now…I won’t be able to rest completely until she’s home,” he said.
According to Stitt, he is relieved that they were able to come to a more reasonable solution and acknowledge that mistakes can happen, and the penalties should not be too severe. “I’m just glad cooler heads prevailed, and they realized these mistakes happen, and the punishment does not fit the crime,” Stitt said.
Jonathan Franks, the spokesperson, stated that the judge deemed the case to have exceptional circumstances, resulting in a ruling that a lengthy sentence would be deemed arbitrary.
On Friday, Franks tweeted that they will make the payment soon and expected to leave TCI, with hopes to arrive in their hometown of OKC that night, as Watson departed from Turks and Caicos.
After the sentencing hearing, reporters had the opportunity to speak with the Watsons. They shared their thoughts and feelings about the outcome of the hearing.
Ryan Watson expressed his relief as he prepared to leave the islands, saying, “I’m feeling great.” However, he also shared that the entire experience was nerve-wracking, especially since the prosecution was aiming for a 12-year sentence and didn’t believe there were any exceptional circumstances. Despite this, he felt grateful that the judge took a holistic approach and decided on a different outcome. He plans to pay the fine and return home to see his children.
He expressed his gratitude towards the state of Oklahoma for the overwhelming support they received during their difficult time. He acknowledged the kindness of the people who had been a blessing to them, and how the entire country had come together to lend their support.
“The moment I’ve been eagerly waiting for finally arrived,” exclaimed Valerie Watson with a sense of immense relief.
On April 12, authorities arrested Watson after discovering four rounds of hunting ammunition in his carry-on luggage while he and his partner were attempting to depart from their vacation destination. Although Valerie Watson was permitted to return to the United States without facing any charges, her companion was not as fortunate.
In April, Ryan Watson expressed his regret for the ordeal and clarified that he had no intention of violating any of the laws of the islands, as reported by CBS News.
He clarified that there was no intention behind the incident and it was purely a mistake and an accident.
Last month, two other Americans faced similar charges and were subsequently sentenced. Bryan Hagerich from Pennsylvania was found possessing 20 rifle rounds in his checked bag during a family vacation and was fined $6,700 with a suspended sentence. On the other hand, Tyler Wenrich from Virginia was carrying two 9mm rounds in his backpack while attempting to board a cruise ship, resulting in a fine of $9,000 and time served. Both individuals have since returned to the United States.
The American duo, Hagerich and Wenrich, were initially facing a severe sentence of 12 years in prison, but fortunately, the courts recognized the unique circumstances surrounding their cases and decided to impose lighter penalties.
As American lawmakers urge for leniency towards their fellow citizens, officials in the island have reevaluated the minimum sentence for firearms offenses. The House of Assembly recently voted on June 14, as reported by The Sun, to approve an amendment that gives judges more flexibility in sentencing in cases where exceptional circumstances are present.
In May, Grier faced an arrest when two bullets were discovered in her carry-on bag as she was returning home from a surprise Mother’s Day vacation.
Michael Lee Evans, a Texan citizen, has been permitted to return to the United States on medical grounds while he is currently out on bail. He is the fifth American to be granted this allowance.
