Pennsylvania Resident Detained in Turks and Caicos for Possessing Ammunition, Finally Returns Home
Five Americans were arrested in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) for carrying ammunition in their luggage, with one of them being Bryan Hagerich, 39, of Pennsylvania. He recently returned home after receiving a suspended sentence and a fine of $6,700.
Mr. Hagerich expressed relief at being reunited with his family after 101 days of detention, describing it as the darkest period of his life. He thanked those who advocated for his release and that of the other detained Americans.
Several lawmakers commended the TCI government for releasing Mr. Hagerich and expressed hope for the swift resolution of the remaining cases. Senator Markwayne Mullin emphasized the need for the TCI government to review their gun laws to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Other Americans Detained on TCI
Four other Americans—Tyler Wenrich, Ryan Watson, Michael Lee Evans, and Sharitta Shinise Grier—are still detained on the islands for similar charges. If convicted, they could face a minimum 12-year prison sentence under TCI law.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt had previously appealed to TCI Gov. Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam to reconsider the charges against the Americans.
Despite efforts by a U.S. Congressional delegation to secure their release, the TCI government stated that the legal process must be allowed to proceed without interference.
The State Department issued a travel alert advising Americans to thoroughly check their luggage for any prohibited items before traveling to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Michael Clements contributed to this report.
