May 25th 2024.
Sharitta Grier, a mother from Orlando, Florida, was recently detained in Turks and Caicos along with four other Americans. It's been a challenging and emotional time for her and her loved ones as lawmakers fight for her release and the release of the others.
In late May of 2024, a group of legislators traveled to the tropical island to make a plea for the detainees' freedom. Among them was Florida Secretary of State Cord Boyd, who met with government officials in hopes of finding a solution. In his words, they were trying to "expedite their release and prevent this from happening to other Americans in the future."
Grier's trip to the island was meant to be a surprise Mother's Day getaway with her daughters. Unfortunately, things took a turn when her duffel bag, which she also uses to store her gun and bullets, was flagged by the Transportation Security Authority. Although they confiscated her lotion and body spray, they missed the two bullets that were reportedly found by the Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Aviation Authority.
As a result, Grier was detained and spent three nights in jail, which she describes as a "nightmare." She had never experienced anything like it before and was shocked to find herself in such a situation. She maintains that she had no knowledge of the bullets in her bag, saying, "I didn't know. I didn't see them. I didn't hear them. I knew nothing about the rounds in that bag."
After being released on bond, Grier is now awaiting her court date, which is scheduled for July 5. If convicted, she could face a minimum sentence of 12 years in prison for firearm and ammunition offenses on the island.
While she tries to stay positive, Grier admits that she has her ups and downs, with most days being filled with anxiety about her freedom. She often thinks about the Facebook post she made before the trip, where she shared how she had prayed with her family before leaving. Despite the uncertain outcome, Grier finds comfort in her faith, believing that "God is in the midst of this whole thing."
However, she also has some worries about what the future holds, saying, "I've never even been to jail. I've never been in any trouble besides a speeding ticket." The fact that she now shares a home with four other detainees, who are also facing the same charges and sentencing, is a constant reminder of how much her life has been turned upside down.
In an effort to support Grier and her legal battle, her family has started a GoFundMe account. They are not alone in their efforts, as the governors of Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Virginia have also sent a joint letter to Turks and Caicos' governor, Daniel-Selvaratnam, pleading for their citizens' release. They acknowledge the importance of upholding the laws and regulations of the island but also ask for mercy in light of the circumstances.
Unfortunately, the response from the island publication was that the governor cannot comment or get involved in an ongoing legal case. As the matter is in the hands of the Supreme Court, it is required to impose a mandatory minimum sentence and fine for certain firearm offenses, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
While the situation remains uncertain, Grier's family and friends are doing everything they can to support her and raise awareness about her case. They are hoping for a positive outcome and ask for the public's support in their efforts.
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