Ryan Watson, who faces a potential prison sentence of up to twelve years for unintentionally carrying bullets onto a plane while returning from his vacation in Turks and Caicos, has expressed concerns over the impact this will have on his family. In an interview with “Fox & Friends Weekend,” he explained that Bryan Hagerich’s trial scheduled for May 3 could determine the fate of multiple Americans who find themselves facing similar predicaments due to a new policy implemented in Turks and Caicos, which now requires tourists leaving the country to face prison time if found with firearms or ammunition.
Watson was arrested at the airport alongside his wife Valerie on April 12 as they returned from their vacation celebrating a friend’s birthday. Valerie has stated that explaining the situation to her two children is one of the most challenging aspects, given the uncertainty surrounding Ryan’s release date. “We have been praying a lot and we know this is part of God’s plan for us,” she said in an interview with guest host Carley Shimkus on Sunday morning.
Another American citizen facing similar charges is Tyler Wenrich, who was arrested while returning from Turks and Caicos last year after two stray bullets were discovered inside his luggage by airport officials. Both Watson and Wenrich insist that they had no knowledge of the ammunition being present in their bags during transportation to the vacation destination or upon return home.
Watson, who describes himself as a responsible gun owner, emphasized that he has always stressed the importance of firearm safety with his children but acknowledged that this was an unfortunate oversight made while packing for the hunting trip last year. The bag in question had previously been used during a deer-hunting excursion in Texas.
Watson and Wenrich are both scheduled to appear before court on May 7, alongside Bryan Hagerich whose case will be heard first due to recent developments regarding tourists leaving the country being subjected to prison sentences if found carrying firearms or ammunition. Tourists had previously been permitted to pay fines in most instances instead of facing criminal charges.
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