The families of four American men charged in Turks and Caicos for carrying ammunition have insisted that their loved ones were unjustly detained on the island. Last week, the government of Turks and Caicos confirmed that Michael Lee Evans, Bryan Hagerich, Tyler Scott Wenrich, and Ryan Tyler Watson were charged for collectively carrying 33 rounds of ammunition. Hagerich and Evans had already pled guilty to the charges. It is illegal to transport firearms or ammunition to or from Caribbean Community countries, including Turks and Caicos, without a license, according to the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
In response to a rise in gun violence and weapons trafficking, the government of Turks and Caicos tightened gun laws in 2022. Violating the law could result in a minimum 12-year prison sentence, though exceptions can be made in certain circumstances. The four American men were on vacation on the islands celebrating a friend’s birthday when security found ammunition left in a duffel bag from a deer hunting trip. The families claim that this went unnoticed by authorities when leaving the United States. Authorities emphasized that travelers are responsible for ensuring that their baggage is free of weapons and ammunition, which are strictly prohibited without prior permission.
The families of the detained men have called for assistance in paying for mounting legal fees and living expenses. They have raised more than $220,000 through a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe. While the men have been released on bail, Hagerich has been allegedly detained in Turks and Caicos for 81 days. The families claim that they have been separated from their children and families while awaiting legal proceedings on the island. The families describe the legal system in Turks and Caicos as unfamiliar, daunting, and expensive, operating differently from the American justice system.
Jessica Byrd, organizer of the funding campaign and Watson’s older sister, revealed that Hagerich, who pled guilty to possession of twenty rounds of rifle ammunition, was set to go on trial on Friday. She anticipated that he would be sentenced on the same day or the following week. The families of the detained men continue to seek support and assistance in navigating the legal process in Turks and Caicos. They express gratitude for the donations received so far but stress that more help is needed to cover legal fees and living expenses during this challenging time. The families are hopeful for a positive resolution to the legal proceedings and the safe return of their loved ones.
