The American who transported ammunition to the Turks and Caicos Islands is sentenced to 52 weeks in prison. But the fate of the other people charged remains uncertain

CNN
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The first in a series of Americans recently charged with possessing ammunition in the Turks and Caicos Islands was given a 52-week suspended prison sentence and a $6,700 fine on Friday, his lawyer told CNN.

But four other Americans still await their fate. In recent months, all have been arrested and charged with importing various quantities of munitions into the 40-island chain in the southeast of the Bahamas. In the Turks and Caicos Islands, possession of firearms or ammunition carries a minimum sentence of 12 years, although the law allows reduced sentences in “exceptional circumstances,” the local governor said.

Bryan Hagerich, of Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to the charge, the Turks and Caicos government announced.

On Friday, he was given a 52-week sentence suspended for a year, meaning he will not be incarcerated immediately, Hagerich's attorney, Oliver Smith, told King's Counsel.

Hagerich will be allowed to leave the British Overseas Territory and return to the United States once he pays the fine, Smith said. If he does not pay the fine, he will have to serve his entire 12-month sentence.

The fine is expected to be paid Friday, Hagerich's lawyer told CNN.

“He’s happy, he’s relieved,” Smith said of his client. “The sentence, in all its circumstances, is reasonable and just. And he is relieved and eager to pay the fine and return home as soon as possible.”

After Hagerich's conviction, Turks and Caicos Prime Minister Washington Misick said justice “was served according to the law.”

“As we have said, the Firearms Act takes into account exceptional circumstances,” Misick said, “and today's decision reflects our commitment to judicial independence and respect for the law. Residents and visitors can be confident that the Turks and Caicos Islands are dedicated to safety and compassion while protecting the safety and rights of all.

The four other Americans charged were released on bail pending their court dates, Misick's office said in a statement. One of them was allowed to return to the United States for medical reasons, and the others remain in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

A US congressional delegation visited the islands this week and called for charges to be dropped against the five Americans who they say “inadvertently” had ammunition in their luggage.

Hagerich's sentencing comes after U.S. officials expressed disappointment with their attempted intervention.

“Unfortunately, despite our willingness to work with Turks and Caicos officials to bring our voters home, we have been unable to find a path forward,” Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma said this week in a statement.

Besides Hagerich, two other Americans – Michael Lee Evans and Tyler Wenrich – pleaded guilty to possessing ammunition while traveling in the Turks and Caicos Islands, according to the territory's government.

Evans was cleared to return to the United States due to a “serious” medical situation, but he will have to return to the Turks and Caicos Islands for his next hearing, Smith said.

A fourth American, Ryan Tyler Watson, will have a hearing Tuesday to determine whether he will plead or go to trial, Smith said.

A fifth American woman, Sharitta Shinese Grier, was arrested last week and is awaiting trial after being released on bail, according to Kimo Tynes​​​​, director of communications at the Office of the Prime Minister and Public Policy.

Turks and Caicos: No special treatment should be given to any group

Turks and Caicos Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam said the 12-year mandatory minimum sentence for possession of firearms or ammunition is in place to protect people on the islands, and that judges may use their discretion to impose reduced sentences in “exceptional circumstances”.

But no special treatment should be given to any group, the Turks and Caicos Prime Minister said.

“The law must be applied fairly,” Misick said.

And U.S. citizens are not targeted, Turks and Caicos officials said. Of the 195 people convicted of gun offenses in the past six years, only seven were U.S. citizens, Misick said Thursday. No American citizen has been sentenced to 12 years in prison to date.

Even though the territory does not manufacture firearms or ammunition, the number of firearms arriving in the islands has increased, Misick said. On the other hand, the United States has more weapons than people.

Now, bringing firearms or ammunition into the Turks and Caicos Islands without prior police authorization is “strictly prohibited.”

While the United States and the Turks and Caicos Islands collaborate in the fight against narcotics, terrorism and money laundering, “our laws and our processes are not consistent,” Misick said.

“We are a distinct sovereignty. We respect the laws of the United States and we would never dream of interfering with its operation.”

But at least one designated opposition member, Alvin Garland, expressed concern about the arrests of American citizens.

Garland said the islands' governor was right not to interfere in ongoing court cases in order to respect the government's separation of powers, but added that he believed most, if not all, cases involving of American tourists would fall under “exceptional circumstances”. category” and sentences could be shorter than the mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNN's Carlos Suarez, Maija Ehlinger, Hira Humayun, Lauren Mascarenhas and Rebekah Riess contributed to this report.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly spelled the last name of Turks and Caicos Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam.