
Oklahoma Father Freed from Turks and Caicos After Arrest for Carrying Ammo
Oklahoma man, Ryan Watson, freed from Turks and Caicos after carrying ammunition, credited faith and lawmakers for his return home.

In a recent turn of events, an Oklahoma man, Ryan Watson, found himself facing a daunting 12-year prison sentence in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) after authorities discovered stray bullets in his luggage. The situation took a positive turn, however, as after months of negotiations and the involvement of bipartisan congressional delegation, Watson received a suspended 13-week jail sentence and a fine of $2,000.
Role of Faith and Local Lawmakers
Watson, along with his wife Valerie, credited their faith and the efforts of local lawmakers for helping secure his release and safe return. They expressed their gratitude towards Oklahoma Sens. Markwayne Mullin and James Lankford, along with Gov. Kevin Stitt, for their instrumental role in the process.
Watson maintained that the bullets were inadvertently left in his carry-on bag from a hunting trip to Texas, and emphasized that he had no intention of bringing ammunition on his vacation. The strict rules and penalties in Turks and Caicos regarding ammunition led to a harrowing experience for Watson, as he faced the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence.
Transportation Security Administration's Oversight
It was revealed that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) had failed to detect the bullets during Watson's departure from the U.S., highlighting a critical oversight by the agency. In contrast, Watson criticized the U.S. Embassy in Turks and Caicos, stating that he did not receive the necessary assistance.
Legislative Changes and Other Cases
Following the series of arrests involving Americans and the subsequent pressure from lawmakers, the parliament in Turks and Caicos unanimously agreed to revise the ammunition law. This move aims to differentiate between genuine threats and individuals who make unintentional mistakes, reflecting a more flexible and just legal system.
- Bryan Hagerich, a 39-year-old Pennsylvania father of two and former professional baseball player, was fined $6,500 and avoided prison after over 100 days in jail.
- Michael Lee Evans of Texas, aged 72, pleaded guilty to possessing seven rounds of ammunition and awaits sentencing.
- Tyler Wenrich from Virginia was released after paying a $10,000 fine, while Sharitta Grier from Florida is awaiting her sentencing.
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