Americans Detained in Turks and Caicos After Ammunition Discovery

Four American men face lengthy prison sentences in Turks and Caicos after being charged with carrying ammunition without a license. Despite claims of an "innocent mistake," the men remain detained as legal proceedings continue.

Four American men have been charged in Turks and Caicos for carrying ammunition without a license, leaving their families distraught and demanding their release.

The men, identified as Michael Lee Evans, Bryan Hagerich, Tyler Scott Wenrich and Ryan Tyler Watson, were reportedly on vacation to celebrate a friend's birthday when security found ammunition in their luggage at the airport. Authorities in Turks and Caicos have confirmed the charges and acknowledged the men's claims of an innocent mistake.

According to a statement from the Turks and Caicos government, the islands have strict laws prohibiting the possession of firearms or ammunition without a permit. These laws were further tightened in 2022 due to a rise in gun violence and weapons trafficking. Violating the law can result in a minimum 12-year prison sentence, although the government has indicated that the penalty may be reduced in exceptional circumstances.

The families of the detained men have created a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for mounting legal fees and living expenses. As of Friday, the campaign had raised over $220,000.

According to the campaign page, the men have been released on bail, but Hagerich has been detained for over 80 days. The families claim that he and the others have been unjustly detained and separated from their children and families.

The families have expressed concerns about the unfamiliar and expensive legal system in Turks and Caicos, which they say operates differently than the American justice system.

Jessica Byrd, the organizer of the crowdfunding campaign and Watson's older sister, said Hagerich pled guilty to possession of 20 rounds of rifle ammunition and is scheduled to stand trial on Friday. Sentencing is expected the same day or next week.

The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) warns travelers repeatedly on its website that it is illegal to transport firearms or ammunition to or from CARICOM countries, including Turks and Caicos, without a license.

The ATF also emphasizes that it is the traveler's responsibility to research local laws and ensure that their baggage is free of weapons and ammunition.

The Turks and Caicos government has maintained that it is the responsibility of the traveler to declare the presence of weapons or ammunition and that such items are strictly forbidden without prior permission.

As the legal proceedings continue, the families of the detained men are urging the public to help support their loved ones and advocate for their release. They believe that the men have been unfairly detained and should be allowed to return home to their families.