American vacationer will get sentence after bringing ammo on Turks & Caicos trip

An Oklahoma father of two who introduced ammunition into Turks and Caicos whereas on trip has averted extra jail time.

Ryan Watson was fined $2,000 — $500 for every of the 4 bullets authorities present in his baggage — however was in the end not given the minimal jail sentence of 12 years for the offense. A choose overseeing the case cited “distinctive circumstances” within the ruling that allowed Watson to keep away from jail, in response to ABC Information.

Watson is predicted to pay his fantastic and return to the US as quickly as potential.

He was arrested on April 12 on his means dwelling from a visit to the islands. He and his spouse have been visiting the islands for a number of buddies’ fortieth birthday events.

Whereas he was passing by way of customs on the Howard Hamilton Worldwide Airport officers discovered 4 bullets in his carry-on baggage, in response to police. Watson stated he didn’t notice the searching ammunition was nonetheless in his bag. He pleaded responsible to possession of ammunition, and was launched on a $15,000 bond after his arrest. He remained in Turks and Caicos in the course of his authorized proceedings.

The day earlier than his sentencing, Watson made an look on Good Morning America the place he shared his nervousness over going through potential jail time.

“No matter tomorrow brings, we’ll get by way of it. However I pray that I get to go dwelling tomorrow,” Watson stated.

Turks and Caicos has strict firearms legal guidelines which have caught different ammo-toting Individuals without warning throughout visits to the islands.

In April, Tyler Wenrich was fined $9,000 and sentenced to time served for bringing ammunition to the islands. One other man, Bryan Hagerich, was given a 52-week jail sentence and was fined $6,700 for the same offense.

In all three males’s circumstances, a courtroom discovered that there have been “distinctive circumstances” that allowed the lads to keep away from the necessary 12-year jail sentence tied to their crimes.

Sharitta Grier, one other American, has additionally been detained for bringing ammunition into Turks and Caicos. She has been launched on bond and is awaiting trial.

Turks and Caicos’ authorities handed a invoice final week amending their firearms regulation that grants the courts extra flexibility in sentencing people with “distinctive circumstances.”

Beneath the brand new regulation, the courtroom may have the “widest potential breadth of discretion” in its sentences, permitting it to difficulty fines, custodial sentences or each, in response to Turks and Caicos’ lawyer common.

Watson’s case was adjudicated previous to the passage of the modification, and prosecutors fought towards having an “distinctive circumstances” label utilized to his case.

Oliver Smith, the protection lawyer representing Watson, argued he had taken duty for his crime and highlighted the toll that his shopper’s detainment had taken on each his household and his profession.

Watson’s spouse, Valerie, additionally appeared on Good Morning America and stated the previous couple of months have been a “curler coaster of feelings” for her and her household.

“We wish him dwelling so unhealthy. The children and I’ve been lacking him like loopy,” she stated. “We’re prepared for him to come back again dwelling to us. I am making an attempt so laborious to not get my hopes up.”

Watson stated he needed to hug his kids and prepare dinner his household dinner as soon as he returns to the US.