A spokeswoman reported on social media that an American tourist detained in the Turks and Caicos Islands for having ammunition was handed a suspended 52-week sentence on Friday and left the British island after a months-long struggle. Initially, the spokesperson for Bryan Hagerich of Pennsylvania stated that the sentence was 52 months in duration. However, they later revised the sentence.
In Turks and Caicos, Hagerich was among a number of Americans who were potentially facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years in prison for ammunition allegations. According to spokesperson Jonathan Franks, the judge recognized unusual circumstances and found that the long punishment was unjustified. The father of two, who was fined $6,700, was returning.
The Turks and Caicos authorities said Hagerich pleaded guilty to having had 20 rifle rounds. In February, he was apprehended after the ammunition was discovered in his checked luggage. He claimed that he was incarcerated for eight nights before being released on bail.
Friday, Premier C. Washington Misick stated justice was “served as the law intended.”
Misick stated, “Today’s ruling underscores our dedication to judicial independence and enforcing the law.” The Turks and Caicos Islands are committed to safety and compassion, protecting everyone’s rights.
When officials found the hunting ammunition in his bag, Hagerich told news reporters he realized he carried it on a family vacation to Turks & Caicos.
Which Americans were detained in Turks & Caicos?
HHagerich is the first of numerous Americans arrested for ammunition offenses in recent months to be punished. Three other Americans’ cases are pending in the Bahamas’ southeast archipelago. fifth and newly charged American was allowed to return home for medical reasons.
This week, Virginia parent Tyler Wenrich pleaded guilty to possessing two 9-mm rounds in his backpack while trying to board a cruise ship. He awaits sentencing.
Ryan Watson, a father from Oklahoma, is anticipated to enter a plea of guilty next week following the discovery of four cartridges of hunting ammunition in his carry-on luggage last month.
Florida grandma Sharitta Grier, who allegedly had two bullets in her carry-on bag upon returning from a surprise Mother’s Day getaway, has a July court date.
TheCongress recently visited Turks and Caicos to meet with officials about the instances. nsylvania Democrat Sen. John Fetterman thanked the judge Friday.
“Wh”TCI executives made clear they wanted this matter rectified when we met with them a few days ago,” Fetterman added. y understood that Bryan and the other imprisoned Americans were mistaken for gunrunners.”
According to Hagerich’s Republican congressman Guy Reschenthaler, the incident was avoidable.
“I am thrilled that Bryan Hagerich will return to Pennsylvania with his wife and two children, but this frightening circumstance should never have occurred to him,” Reschenthaler posted on social media.
Caicos travel advice
BeBefore Friday’s punishment, Reschenthaler urged the Biden administration to ban Americans from Turks & Caicos. told CBS News he wants a State Department no-travel order for the islands.
“W”Without question, Americans should not fly to Turks and Caicos until two things happen,” Reschenthaler told CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave Thursday. irst and foremost, Turks and Caicos must repeal this barbaric statute that is out of step with other nations and transfer all detainees to the US forthwith.”
The State Department advises Americans to be extra cautious in Turks & Caicos, as it does in some European countries.
