A Virginia man avoided a potential 12-year prison sentence under the strict firearms prohibitions on the islands by serving time served and paying a $9,000 fine for bringing ammunition to Turks and Caicos.
Tyler Wenrich, of Richmond, was traveling to Grand Turk on a cruise liner for a bachelor celebration in late April when authorities discovered ammunition in his hands while passing through a security checkpoint.
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The 911 operator and emergency medical technician have stayed on the island since his arrest, and on May 21, he pleaded guilty to two charges of ammunition possession for two 9 mm rounds.
A judge sentenced Wenrich to three weeks in prison on Tuesday morning, which included time served after his detention.
The 31-year-old father can return home after paying a $9,000 fine.
He and his wife, who was present for the sentencing, intend to fly home on Thursday, Wenrich told ABC News.
“I feel very, very relieved,” he stated after the punishment. “My wife and I have both felt a weight lifted off our shoulders.”
Since his arrest, Wenrich and his 18-month-old child have been apart.
“I’m glad I get to go home and be with my son again,” remarked the father.
Wenrich had gone shooting at a gun range with friends and forgot he was carrying ammunition.
Traveling to Turks and Caicos with a firearm, ammo, or other weapon carries a minimum 12-year prison sentence. However, the judge has the authority to impose a more lenient punishment if the court determines that there are exceptional circumstances.
“I have a lot of fear and anxiety about what’s going to happen, and I’m hoping that the judge finds some compassion and leniency in the situation that I’m in,” Wenrich told ABC News earlier this month.
The Turks and Caicos Islands government released a statement following the sentencing, stating that Justice Davidson Baptiste “cited exceptional circumstances” in Wenrich’s case and “highlighted that enforcing the mandatory minimum would have been arbitrary and disproportionate and would not serve the public interest.”
“The Turks and Caicos Islands Government remains committed to enforcing its laws to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors,” said the statement. “This case underscores the importance of vigilance and adherence to local regulations by all visitors.”
Wenrich is one of five Americans accused under the gun legislation of possessing ammunition over the last five months.
Bryan Hagerich, a Pennsylvania parent who admitted to having 20 rounds of ammunition, received a suspended 52-week sentence and a $6,700 fine on Friday. He immediately paid these fines and left the country.
Following the discovery of ammunition in their luggage, Ryan Watson of Oklahoma, Michael Lee Evans of Texas, and Sharitta Grier of Florida have all faced legal action.
Each of the defendants stated that they did not knowingly pack the ammo. Evans was able to leave the island while on bail and is currently awaiting sentencing due to a medical ailment.
While their trials are pending, Watson and Grier are also out on bond and cannot leave Turks and Caicos.
