An Oklahoma man could face up to 12 years in prison for having ammunition in his carry-on bag at a Turks and Caicos Islands airport, according to a GoFundMe page for his family.
On April 12, Ryan and Valerie Watson, parents of two young children, were arrested at the airport as they returned from an island vacation to celebrate a friend’s 40th birthday.
“As they were attempting to return home, their lives changed forever when security at the local airport discovered four rounds of ammunition left unknowingly.”[le]The description on the family’s GoFundMe page reads: “It was a bag they brought with them on a deer hunting trip. The TSA didn’t notice it when they left the US. We are facing a costly legal system that makes it difficult for us to do so.”
The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a travel warning in September 2023, telling Americans not to bring ammunition to the island.
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Ryan and Valerie Watson were arrested in the Turks and Caicos Islands on April 12 after the island’s airport staff found ammunition in Ryan’s carry-on bag. Ryan could be sentenced to up to 12 years in prison. (GoFundMe)
“TCI authorities will strictly enforce all firearms-related laws,” the warning states. “The penalty for traveling to a TCI with firearms, ammunition or other weapons is a minimum of 12 years in prison.”
The embassy also said Americans should “carefully inspect” their luggage “for leaked ammunition or forgotten weapons” before departing for TCI.
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But the Watsons insist they made a terrible mistake. Valerie Watson was released from prison in the Turks and Caicos Islands on Tuesday, but her husband remains in custody and “there is no timeline for her release on bail or a potential court date at this time.”
A Turks and Caicos Islands court on Tuesday granted Ryan Watson $15,000 bail on ammunition possession charges. (Turks and Caicos Police)
“We appreciate your support and willingness to help, but please do not contact TCI government officials directly during this time,” the family wrote on the GoFundMe page.
Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police confirmed the arrest Wednesday, announcing that Ryan Watson, 40, of Oklahoma, was charged with one count of possession of ammunition and appeared in Magistrates Court on Wednesday. He is also set on $15,000 bail on condition that he not travel off-island without court permission, surrender his passport, report to Glace Bay Police Station on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and reside at a specified address. Money was also accepted.
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Ryan is scheduled to reappear in court on June 7 for an “adequacy” hearing, officials said.
Ryan Watson was sentenced to 10,000 yen on condition he not travel off-island without court permission, surrender his passport, report to Glace Bay Police Station on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and reside at a specified address. Bail was granted in the amount of $5,000. (Getty Images)
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According to the Wastson family’s GoFundMe page, the couple is facing “mounting legal costs, living expenses and overwhelming stress.”
“The emotional and financial burden is immeasurable and people are at risk of losing everything,” the page says.
