An Oklahoma man facing 12 years in a tropical prison after Turks and Caicos Islands authorities found four stray bullets in his luggage is returning to the United States after an ordeal that lasted for months.
Ryan Watson, 40, was arrested at the country’s main airport in April.
At his sentencing hearing on Friday, Watson received a suspended sentence of 13 weeks’ jail and a $2,000 fine – $500 for each bullet – according to family spokesman Jonathan Franks.
Turks and Caicos Islands repeal all munitions actions that jailed American tourists
Ryan Watson (second from left) smiles with his wife and holds his passport after a judge in the Turks and Caicos Islands allowed him to return to the United States on Friday. Watson had been facing a possible 12-year sentence for violating the country’s strict firearms laws by accidentally boarding a flight with several stray bullets in his carry-on luggage. (Jonathan Franks/LUCID Strategies)
Watson paid the fine and was scheduled to board a flight to Oklahoma City that same day.
Following the ruling, the judge urged American travelers to the Turks and Caicos Islands to double-check their luggage and called on the Transportation Security Administration to screen departing travelers.
Watson is one of at least five Americans arrested this year for violating ammunition laws in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Watson previously told Fox News Digital that he had not intended to take ammunition on vacation, and had left the bullets in his bag after a previous hunting trip.
Americans arrested in Turks and Caicos sleep and pray together while awaiting sentencing: ‘Big family’
Ryan Watson and his wife Valerie share a kiss after learning his fate in a Turks and Caicos courtroom. He is due to return to his home state of Oklahoma later today after spending several months on probation for accidentally violating the island nation’s strict firearms laws. (Jonathan Franks/LUCID Strategies)
The country’s parliament earlier this week said it would not accept any U.S. or Chinese lawmakers. Newsline TCI reported.
In May, a bipartisan congressional delegation flew to the Turks and Caicos Islands to personally appeal for the release of U.S. citizens.
“This change to the law is an important step in ensuring our legal system is fair and flexible,” said Edwin Astwood, leader of the opposition in parliament. The Sun TCI, “Recognizing that not all cases are the same, judges must be able to consider all factors and reach a truly fair and appropriate sentence,” said another local paper.
Ryan and Valerie Watson on vacation in Turks and Caicos. (Facebook)
He said the goal is to uphold the rule of law, but also to distinguish between real threats and people who have made mistakes.
Other Americans charged under the statute include Brian Haigerich, a 39-year-old Pennsylvania resident and former professional baseball player who is a father of two. Haigerich returned home after serving more than 100 days in jail after a judge agreed to a $6,500 fine and avoided prison time.
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Michael Lee Evans, 72, of Texas, pleaded guilty to possessing seven rounds of ammunition. The Sun TCIHe is still awaiting sentencing but had been allowed to return to the U.S. due to serious illness, according to authorities.
Tyler Wenrich of Virginia was released in May after paying a $10,000 fine. Floridaare also awaiting verdict.
