An American couple, Ryan and Valerie Watson’s much-anticipated getaway with friends and their children to Turks and Caicos was hit with reality when they were unexpectedly detained at the airport. The reason? Some ammunition was in one of their duffel bags. Although Valerie is now free, Ryan is still in custody, facing the prospect of a 12-year prison sentence.
According to Ryan, the ammunition in question belonged to him and was from his routine deer hunting trips. Its presence in the bag was purely accidental, overlooked during their departure from the US, but it triggered consequences when they arrived at Turks and Caicos.
What Is the Law in Turks and Caicos About?
In 2022, Turks and Caicos made strict amendments to their ammunition and firearms laws. NBC 10 Boston highlighted the changes, including harsh penalties and an extension of minimum prison terms. Likewise, the US Embassy in the Bahamas cautioned against carrying ammunition while traveling to Turks and Caicos.
They urged travelers to inspect their belongings thoroughly to avoid transporting prohibited items. Amidst everything, USA Today reported Ryan and Valerie had their passports taken off them and were without their kids. This left them uncertain and anxious about their fate and reunion with their loved ones.
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Updates on the Watsons’ Ordeal in Turks and Caicos
After Valerie’s release from prison on April 23, she returned to their home in Oklahoma. She was slightly relieved from the legal saga since the ammunition bag wasn’t hers. However, Ryan remains detained in Turks and Caicos. Displaying solidarity, a GoFundMe page was initiated by a friend to assist with legal expenses and support the Watson family.
As of April 26, the campaign had gained over $186,000, nearing its $250,000 target. Notably, Ryan wasn’t the only one detained for carrying ammunition. His plight had a broader trend, as Bryan Hagerich was in a similar position in February. Like Ryan, Hagerich waited for his court date, Friday, May 3. While there was a little hope with Ryan’s release on bail, according to CBS News, his journey to justice is far from over. Although granted temporary freedom after posting a $15,000 bond, he must stay in Turks and Caicos until his court appearance on June 7. Moreover, he must adhere to strict check-ins with local authorities every Tuesday and Thursday until then.
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Ryan and Valerie Watson’s Ongoing Legal Saga
Despite Ryan insisting that the ammunition was left in his bag and not brought intentionally to Turks and Caicos, he still faces the prospect of a 12-year prison sentence. As he awaits his hearing scheduled for June 7, the future remains uncertain. The sad part is whatever happens has profound implications for Ryan and the entire Watson family.
The Turks and Caicos Government issued a statement on X, affirming its stance on carrying ammunition and firearms on its island. The statement emphasized the imposition of minimum sentences by the Supreme Court for offenders and noted the possibility of revision under exceptional circumstances. At least that sounds good and gives hope!
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Other Americans Facing Prison Term in Turks and Caicos
Apart from Ryan and Hagerich, two other men have been identified. They are Michael Lee Evans, 72, of Texas, and Tyler Scott Wenrich, 31, of Virginia. Evans had a court hearing in April. There, he pleaded guilty to retaining seven 9mm rounds of ammunition, according to an April 26 news release from the Communications Directorate. The release further noted that Evans and Hagerich were on bail. US officials have urged travelers to the island to be cautious of crime, including not walking alone at odd hours. Moreover, they warned them to watch for firearms and ammunition in their bags.
Bulletins issued in September 2023 and April 2024 alerted travelers of the potential 12-year sentence and told them to check their bags for ammunition or forgotten weapons. According to the September bulletin, “If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, we will not be able to secure your release from custody.”
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