Ryan Watson, the American tourist who allegedly had ammunition discovered in his luggage by airport security in Turks and Caicos, has been released on bail. He is currently facing the potential of a 12-year prison sentence.
After spending two nights in jail, Watson, 40, was able to secure a $15,000 bond on Wednesday. As the father of two from Oklahoma, he is required to stay on the island and check in at the Grace Bay Police Station every Tuesday and Thursday while his case progresses. Fortunately, Watson’s wife, Valerie Watson, is not facing any charges and was able to return home to Oklahoma on Tuesday.
The next court date is set for June 7th.
A 31-year-old man from Virginia, Tyler Wenrich, has been charged with possession of ammunition, according to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police. The incident occurred earlier this week when Wenrich arrived on the island of Grand Turk from a cruise ship and was found with ammunition during a security checkpoint. This comes in the wake of Watson’s arrest on a similar charge.
Bryan Hagerich, an American who was arrested in February for allegedly having ammunition in his luggage, is scheduled to appear before a judge on May 3. It is expected that sentencing will follow shortly after. Ryan Watson is hopeful that his own case can be expedited based on the outcome of Hagerich’s case.
As of Thursday evening, the GoFundMe page created for the Watson family has already gathered over $175,000 in donations.
Ryan Watson expressed his gratitude and humility, acknowledging the overwhelming response he has received. He considers himself incredibly fortunate and blessed that people have shown such a strong and positive reaction. Despite this, he remains hopeful and continues to pray for assistance from the State Department, with the ultimate goal of finding a solution that will enable him to return home.
Valerie Watson had previously informed CBS News that the ammunition had been mistakenly brought to the island.
She emphasized that packing ammunition was never our intention.
The State Department issued a tweet on Wednesday, cautioning American tourists visiting Turks and Caicos to thoroughly inspect their luggage for any stray ammunition or firearms. This warning came after a CBS News report highlighted the case of Ryan Watson.
According to the State Department, the authorities in Turks and Caicos are very strict when it comes to enforcing laws related to firearms and ammunition. Simply declaring a weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not give you permission to bring the weapon into the Turks and Caicos Islands, and if you do so, you will be arrested.
Possession of firearms or ammunition is strictly prohibited in Turks and Caicos. In February, a court order was issued, stating that even tourists who were in the process of leaving the country and were previously allowed to pay a fine, are now liable to face imprisonment.
Gun rights advocates are being advised by a prominent gun rights organization to avoid traveling to Turks and Caicos in light of the recent arrests.
The Second Amendment Association issued a warning to all gun owners in the United States, urging them to refrain from traveling to the Turks and Caicos Islands. This British Overseas Territory, situated southeast of the Bahamas, has been deemed unsafe for gun owners. In case you have already made arrangements, it is strongly advised to reconsider your choice of destination.
