A Congressional delegation visited the Turks and Caicos Islands over the fate of five American tourists being held on charges of ammunition possession, which carries a minimum sentence of 12 years in prison if convicted.
A bipartisan delegation met with government leaders in the Turks and Caicos Islands on Monday to seek leniency for the American national who inadvertently placed ammunition in his luggage.
One member of the delegation, Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, told “Good Morning America” that he left the meeting feeling that “we didn't find a real path forward,” and that if no agreement is reached, there will be no next step. He said he is considering measures. Solved.
“I felt like they were doing their job on behalf of the Turks and Caicos Islands. We went there to do our job, representing the United States with real concern. ” he said. “So there are five Americans currently being indicted…all of whom had fewer than 20 bullets.”
Sen. Markwayne Mullin speaks to ABC News, May 20, 2024 ABC News
In addition to Mullin, the U.S. delegation included Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pennsylvania, and Reps. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pennsylvania; Bob Good, R-Virginia; Josh Brechin, R-Oklahoma; and Michael Cloud, R-Texas — all of whom have voters among the detained Americans.
Fetterman said he left the meeting feeling “optimistic that we can resolve this issue.”
“I had the opportunity to meet with each American in custody and they were in good spirits but wanted to return home,” Fetterman said in a statement. “These are people who did not set out to break the law. They are people who made a mistake and are now facing significant prison time because of it. As we have made clear to TCI officials, I urge the court to be lenient in dealing with this case.”
In the most recent case, Orlando resident Shalitta Shanice Greer was visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands with her daughter to celebrate Mother's Day when police said they found two rounds of ammunition in her bag during a routine search at Howard Hamilton International Airport on May 13. She was charged with possession of ammunition and released on $15,000 bail. Police sources said she was ordered to remain in the Caribbean until the case was resolved.
Ryan Watson, of Oklahoma, was arrested on April 12 after hunting ammunition was found in his carry-on bag before he and his wife flew home. He was released on $15,000 bail, but he remains on the island as his trial continues. Watson told ABC News he didn't know there was ammunition in the bag.
A Turks and Caicos Islands police officer stands outside the police station. ABC News/Nightline
Tyler Scott Wenrich of Virginia was indicted on April 23 after authorities discovered illegal ammunition at a checkpoint in the Turks and Caicos Islands while on a cruise, investigators announced. His plea hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
Brian Hagerich, of Pennsylvania, is awaiting sentencing on the island after pleading guilty to possession of 20 rounds of ammunition. Hagerich, who was arrested in February, told ABC News that during the trip he forgot he had hunting ammunition in his bag. His next hearing is scheduled for Friday.
Michael Lee Evans of Texas also pleaded guilty to possessing seven 9mm bullets in his luggage and is awaiting sentencing, scheduled for June 18th.
Marin said one family has already spent more than $100,000 in legal fees, and the father has had to borrow money to stay on the island while his son's case proceeds, adding that he is “literally living off hot dogs and rice.” “We are establishing a
“We have to find some kind of solution here,” Mullin said, adding that it was “unacceptable” that an American from Indiana had already served a six-month prison sentence on ammunition charges.
A U.S. Congressional delegation meets with government officials in the Turks and Caicos Islands on May 20, 2024. Turks and Caicos Islands, Government House/Facebook
Two years ago, the Turks and Caicos Islands government tightened gun regulations, banning civilian possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted, the offender faces a minimum sentence of 12 years in prison.
Marin said he is calling on Turks and Caicos Islands authorities to be more lenient with people who mistakenly carry ammunition.
“We thought we could find some common ground that differentiated those with criminal intent from those without criminal intent. But we didn't come to that conclusion. So their argument is that the system It was about keeping it working,” Marin said.
Marin said the next step could be warning Americans about traveling or doing business in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“I don't think we're there yet, but if we don't find a solution, that's our next option,” he said.
After meeting with the Congressional delegation, the Turks and Caicos Islands Governor's Office said in a statement that the government “has clear laws prohibiting the possession of firearms and ammunition and is committed to serving all people living in and visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands.” “Strict penalties are in place to protect them.” Turks and Caicos Islands. ”
The agency said government officials “recognize this can be a difficult situation for Americans in this position, but also acknowledge that U.S. officials are providing consular assistance to individuals.” “I was doing it,” he said.
“If the court determines that there are exceptional circumstances, the sentencing judge has the discretion under the law to impose a prison sentence and fine that is fair and just and appropriate to the circumstances of each case,” the governor's office said. added.
