In Turks and Caicos, American citizen Tyler Wenrich received a sentence of time served and a $9,000 fine for allegedly carrying illegal ammunition.
A resident of Virginia was hit with a $9,000 fine, reported Kimo Tynes, the director of communications for the Turks and Caicos Islands government, in an official statement. This is because he had already served three weeks in prison, the release added.
Facing a potential 12-year prison sentence, the Hon. Justice Davidson Baptiste pointed out unique circumstances in Wenrich's situation and concluded, "It would have been arbitrary and disproportionate to enforce the mandatory minimum, and it wouldn't have served the public interest."
Another American, Ryan Tyler Watson, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, as mentioned by Tynes. Watson's sentencing is scheduled for June 21.
Over the past several months, all were detained for illegally bringing ammunition to the 40-island chain, located southeast of the Bahamas.
In Turks and Caicos, possessing guns or ammunition without prior authorization from police is outlawed, per a government announcement. This offense carries a minimum 12-year jail sentence, though it's possible to receive a reduced sentence in "exceptional circumstances."
While Turks and Caicos lacks the ability to manufacture firearms or ammunition, the number of guns finding their way to the islands has grown significantly. The United States, meanwhile, has more guns than people.
On Friday, Maine native Bryan Hagerich pled guilty and received a 52-week sentence plus a $6,700 fine, his representatives stated. He repatriated to the United States after paying his fine.
Apart from Hagerich and Wenrich, one other American - Michael Lee Evans - pleaded guilty to carrying ammo while traveling in Turks and Caicos, according to the territory's government.
Evans was permitted to return to the US due to a "severe" medical issue, but must return to Turks and Caicos for his next hearing, confirmed his lawyer Oliver Smith to CNN. The others remain in Turks and Caicos.
A fifth American, Sharitta Shinese Grier, was apprehended last week and awaits trial after posting bail, as per Tynes from the Premier's Office and Public Policy.
The 12-year minimum sentence for carrying firearms or ammunition aims to secure the safety of islanders, with judges allowed to opt for reduced sentences under specific circumstances, noted Turks and Caicos Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam.
US citizens are not being specifically targeted, affirmed Turks and Caicos officials. Only seven out of the 195 people sanctioned for firearms offenses over the past six years were from the US, Misick claimed on Thursday. No US citizen has been given the 12-year sentence thus far.
(CNN reporters Michael Rios, Holly Yan, and AnneClaire Stapleton contributed to this report.)*
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In the context of gun laws being stricter in Turks and Caicos, it's worth noting that despite the high number of guns in the United States, many Americans have faced consequences for bringing ammunition to the Americas, specifically Turks and Caicos.
Despite the global difference in gun ownership between the United States and Turks and Caicos, American citizens continue to face penalties for illegally bringing ammunition to the Americas, highlighting the strict enforcement of gun laws in places like Turks and Caicos.
Source: edition.cnn.com
