American Tourist Sharitta Grier Sentenced for Ammunition Possession

Sharitta Grier, a 45-year-old Florida grandmother, has received a 23-week suspended sentence and a $1,500 fine for carrying ammunition in her luggage while traveling in Turks and Caicos.

A Turks and Caicos judge has sentenced Sharitta Grier, a 45-year-old Florida mother and grandmother, to a 23-week suspended sentence and a $1,500 fine for carrying ammunition in her luggage while traveling home from the islands.

Grier was arrested in May after security found stray bullets in the lining of her bag. She had recently purchased a firearm for her own protection, as she sometimes closes her brother's store at night.

American Tourist Sharitta Grier Sentenced for Ammunition Possession

Grier expressed shock and fear after her sentencing hearing, stating that she was afraid she would receive the mandatory 12-year sentence for tourists accused of carrying ammunition on the islands. She is expected to arrive home in Florida on Thursday night.

Grier is one of five Americans who have been arrested in Turks and Caicos since February for having ammunition in their luggage while returning home from vacations. The other four are Bryan Hagerich, 39, of Pennsylvania; Ryan Watson, 40, of Oklahoma; Tyler Wenrich, 31, of Virginia; and Michael Lee Evans, 72, of Texas.

American Tourist Sharitta Grier Sentenced for Ammunition Possession

In response to these arrests, Turks and Caicos has backtracked on its ammunition law, which had led to the detention of the American tourists. The new law allows for suspended sentences and fines instead of mandatory prison terms.

Grier has stated that she intends to hug her grandchildren and eat soul food upon her return home. She has also expressed relief at being able to leave the islands, where she was temporarily living in a rental home with Watson and Hagerich.

American Tourist Sharitta Grier Sentenced for Ammunition Possession

The five Americans have spoken of their experiences and the support they have received during their detention, describing themselves as a "big family." They have supported each other through the process and expressed gratitude for the chance to return home.

Grier's arrest and subsequent sentencing highlight the challenges that tourists can face when carrying ammunition while traveling abroad. It is essential to be aware of the laws of the country you are visiting and to declare any firearms or ammunition in your possession upon entering or leaving the country.

American Tourist Sharitta Grier Sentenced for Ammunition Possession