A U.S. citizen accused of possessing ammunition in Turks and Caicos may face up to 12 years of incarceration later today.
Bryan Hagerich, who confessed to his guilt, will be sentenced at 10 a.m. ET on Friday. Oliver Smith, his lawyer, informed CNN. In the islands of Turks and Caicos, possessing firearms or ammunition incurs a minimum sentence of 12 years, although judges may reduce it under "exceptional circumstances," as per the local government.
Hagerich is among five Americans detained in recent months for bringing different amounts of ammunition to the 40-island archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, south-east of the Bahamas.
A delegation from the US Congress advocated for the release of detained Americans
A US Congressional delegation visited the islands earlier this week and demanded the freedom of the five Americans, claiming "unintentionally" they had ammunition in their baggage.
However, they couldn't find a way to dismiss the situation, as Senator Markwayne Mullin from Oklahoma declared.
Along with Hagerich, two other Americans - Michael Lee Evans and Tyler Wenrich - have also admitted possession of ammunition while traveling in Turks and Caicos. According to the Turks and Caicos authorities, Evans has been bailed and granted permission to travel back to the United States due to a "serious" health issue, but he must return to the islands for their next hearing.
A fourth American, Ryan Tyler Watson, will attend a court meeting on Tuesday to decide if he'll offer a plea or face trial, reports Smith.
A fifth individual, Sharitta Shinese Grier, was arrested last week and is awaiting trial after making bail, according to Kimo Tynes from the Office of the Premier and Public Policy.
Turks and Caicos: No exemptions to any group
Governor of Turks and Caicos, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratna, mentioned the strict 12-year sentence for firearms or ammunition possession exists to safeguard island residents, and judges might impose less severe penalties in "extraordinary circumstances."
However, no special treatment is permitted for any group. According to Turks and Caicos Premier Washington Misick, "the law must be enforced equally."
He further clarified that US citizens aren't being singled out. Over the past six years, only seven out of the 195 people sentenced for firearm-related wrongdoings have been Americans. No American has received the 12-year sentence to date.
Although the islands don't produce firearms or ammunition, the number of weapons reaching the islands has heightened. As Misick stated, bringing accessories such as guns or bullets into Turks and Caicos without prior police permission is now prohibited.
Despite cooperating with the US in combating narcotics, terrorism, and money laundering, the practices and legal processes of Turks and Caicos differ from those in the United States.
"We respect the laws of the United States and will never consider disturbing their implementation," Misick pointed out.
Notwithstanding, opposition member Alvin Garland expressed worry over the arrests of the American tourists. While he acknowledged the necessity of the governor to preserve the system of powers by avoiding interfering in the ongoing judicial procedures, he expected the majority, if not all, of the cases linked with American tourists might be deemed "exceptional," thus possibly carrying reduced sentences.
This narrative continues to unfold and is subject to modification.
CNN's Maija Ehlinger, Michael Rios, Hira Humayun, Lauren Mascarenhas, and Rebekah Riess contributed to this report.
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Although the strict firearm laws in Turks and Caicos have resulted in lengthy sentences for several Americans, including Bryan Hagerich, Michael Lee Evans, Tyler Wenrich, and Ryan Tyler Watson, these incidents have led to discussions about potential exemptions or reduced sentences. However, according to Turks and Caicos Premier Washington Misick, the law is enforced equally for all, and no special treatment is permitted for any group. The Americas, as a whole, are closely monitoring the situation, with some expressing concern and others advocating for fair treatment under exceptional circumstances.
Source: edition.cnn.com
