June 21st 2024.
After a group of Americans were unexpectedly detained in Turks and Caicos, the island is now taking a closer look at their law regarding ammunition that led to their imprisonment. In May of 2024, it was revealed that five individuals - Michael Lee Evans, Sharitta Grier, Bryan Hagerich, Ryan Tyler Watson, and Tyler Wenrich - had been sent to jail within the past six months due to the strict gun control laws in the 40-island chain located southeast of the Bahamas.
While some of them were granted bail and allowed to return to the United States until their trial, Ryan Tyler Watson from Oklahoma was released but required to remain on the island until his court date. However, just a few days before his scheduled appearance in court, the parliament of Turks and Caicos made a significant decision to repeal the law that had previously mandated a minimum 12-year prison sentence for any firearm-related incidents. This change came after extensive communication with American lawmakers, who have been negotiating with the country to ensure that their citizens are receiving a fair trial.
Watson, along with the other individuals who were arrested and still awaiting trial, maintained their innocence and claimed that they had no intention of bringing ammunition into the country. In an interview with Fox News Digital, the 40-year-old explained that the bullets found in his carry-on luggage must have been left over from a previous hunting trip. While Watson's fate is still uncertain, it's worth noting that the other charged individuals were able to return home.
After spending 100 days in jail, Bryan Hagerich from Pennsylvania was allowed to return home under the condition that he paid a hefty fine of $6,500. Similarly, 72-year-old Michael Lee Evans from Texas was able to return home due to his serious illness after pleading guilty to possession of seven rounds of ammunition. Tyler Wenrich, a native of Virginia, was released after paying a fine of $10,000. Along with Watson, Sharitta Grier from Florida is also awaiting her sentencing.
"We had no intentions of ever bringing anything into this country," Watson stated. "Our only concern was packing board shorts and flip-flops." He went on to praise the locals for their kindness and graciousness towards him and the other detained Americans.
At the time of Watson's arrest, the law regarding ammunition stated that he would have to prove that his situation was "exceptional" in order to potentially avoid a severe punishment. However, with the new amendment, the decision is now in the hands of the court to impose a lesser sentence. For Watson, a final verdict will be made on June 21st.
In related news, Philadelphia 76ers player Cameron Payne was recently arrested for causing a disturbance.
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