A congressional delegation is visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands to investigate the fate of five American tourists detained there on munitions charges that carry a minimum sentence of 12 years in prison.
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 also included Sen. John Fetterman, Democrat of Pennsylvania. and Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pennsylvania. Bob Good, Republican of Virginia. Josh Brechin, Republican, Oklahoma. Michael Cloud (R-Texas) – Voters are among the Americans detained in both cases.
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 incident, Orlando resident Shalitta Shanise Greer was visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands with her daughter for Mother’s Day when authorities conducted a routine search at Howard Hamilton International Airport on May 13. claimed to have found two rounds of ammunition at the airport. Her bag was there, police said. She was charged with one count of possession of ammunition and released on $15,000 bail. She was ordered to remain in the Caribbean territory until the case is completed, police sources said.
Oklahoma man Ryan Watson was arrested on April 12 after hunting ammunition was found in his carry-on bag before flying home with his wife. He was released on $15,000 bail but remains on the island as his trial continues. Watson told ABC News he did not know there was ammunition in his bag.
A Turks and Caicos Islands police officer stands outside a 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 trial continues, adding that he is “literally living on hot dogs and rice.” “I’m working on it,” he said.
“We have to find some solution here,” Mullin said, adding that it was “unacceptable” that an American from Indiana has already been sentenced to six months in prison on ammunition charges. Ta.
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 its gun laws, banning civilian possession of firearms and ammunition, and making offenders subject to a minimum sentence of 12 years in prison if convicted.
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 to differentiate the two: one with intent and one without criminal intent,” Mullin said. “We couldn’t come to that conclusion. So what they were saying was, let’s make the system work.”
Marin said the next step could be to warn U.S. citizens about traveling to 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 office said government officials “understand that the situation is difficult for U.S. nationals in this position, but recognize that U.S. authorities are providing consular assistance to each individual.” “I am doing so,” 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.
