Efforts by U.S. lawmakers to secure the release of five American citizens detained in Turks and Caicos on ammunition possession charges have so far been unsuccessful. The tourists, who were detained over the past five months, face a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years in prison under the island nation’s stringent firearm laws.
The incidents highlight the severe implications of Turks and Caicos’ gun regulations, which were tightened two years ago in response to rising gun violence and trafficking. These laws mandate strict penalties for possession of firearms or ammunition, even in cases where the items are inadvertently carried.
Among the detainees is 31-year-old Tyler Wenrich of Virginia, who was arrested on April 23 when security discovered two 9 mm rounds in his bag as he tried to reboard a cruise ship. “I have a lot of fear and anxiety. You know, the best outcome to this is that the judge will find leniency and compassion in this situation, and steer away from the 12-year sentence and be able to give a sentence that is less than that and a fine, hopefully,” Wenrich said.
The ordeal began in December with the arrest of Michael Lee Evans, 72, of Texas, who pleaded guilty to possessing seven 9 mm rounds. Other detainees include Bryan Hagerich of Pennsylvania, who was arrested in February after ammunition was found in his luggage, and Ryan Watson of Oklahoma, detained in April for carrying hunting ammunition. The most recent case involves Sharitta Grier, 45, of Florida, arrested on May 13 after two bullets were found in her bag during a routine search at the Howard Hamilton International Airport.
U.S. lawmakers, led by Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, traveled to Turks and Caicos to negotiate their release. Despite their efforts, including meetings with the governor, attorney general, and other officials, the delegation made little progress. “Unfortunately, despite our willingness to work with Turks and Caicos officials to get our constituents home, we were not able to find a path forward today,” Mullin stated. He added, “At this point, well-intentioned American citizens are facing a dozen years in prison all for unknowingly having one or two bullets in their luggage.”
Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who also participated in the delegation, expressed cautious optimism: “We had the opportunity to meet each of the detained Americans, who were in good spirits but want to go home. These people did not set out to break the law. They are people who made a mistake and now face substantial time in prison because of it.”
The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas had previously warned travelers about the strict enforcement of firearm laws in Turks and Caicos, noting that violators must follow local law enforcement procedures and that the embassy cannot secure their release. The governor’s office reiterated the separation of executive and judicial branches, stating that Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and Premier Charles Washington Misick cannot intervene in legal cases. However, the court has discretion to impose sentences that consider exceptional circumstances.
Mullin emphasized the potential economic impact on Turks and Caicos, whose economy relies heavily on tourism, particularly from the United States. He indicated that if the Americans receive prison sentences, the U.S. may need to consider additional actions to protect its citizens.
Rep. Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of U.S. tourists to the island’s economy and urging for justice to prevail. “It is in their interest to ensure justice prevails. We were emphatic that it would be unfathomable for five Americans, including Oklahoma’s own Ryan Watson, to face 12 years in prison for accidentally leaving a handful of shells in their luggage.”
Relevant articles:
– 5 Americans held in Turks and Caicos for having ammunition as U.S. lawmakers fail to secure their release , nbcnews.com, 05/22/2024
– American pleads guilty to bringing ammunition into Turks and Caicos a day after lawmakers press for US citizens’ release, CNN, 05/22/2024
– US delegation travels to Turks and Caicos after 5 tourists detained over ammunition, ABC News, 05/21/2024
– US delegation efforts negotiation with Turks & Caicos officials over ammo law arrests, NBC Boston, 05/22/2024
– Man arrested in Turks and Caicos awaits fate; Sen. Fetterman among lawmakers pleading for leniency, WPVI-TV, 05/21/2024
Glad you enjoyed above story, be sure to follow TrendyDigests on Microsoft Start.