British territory refuses to forgive American tourists with bullets in bags

22 May 2024 , 18:39

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Michael Evans from Texas admitted possession of ammunition

‌A tiny British island territory is refusing to forgive visiting Americans found with bullets in their bags.

Officials in the Turks and Caicos Islands arrested five US citizens on various dates earlier this year. Bryan Hagerich, from Pennsylvania, is awaiting sentence after pleading guilty to possessing 20 rounds. Texan Michael Lee Evans has admitted possession of seven rounds of 9mm ammunition. His sentencing is on June 18.

Ryan Watson, of Oklahoma, was held on April 12 after bullets were found in his bag before a flight, it is alleged. He was released on a £12,000 bond but remains on the islands. Tyler Scott Wenrich, from Virginia, was charged on April 23.

Ryan Watson pictured with his wife Valerie

Sharitta Shinese Grier, from Orlando, had two rounds in her bag on May 13, police say. Grier was charged with possession of ammunition and released on £12,000 bail. She has been told not to leave. All five said they had left bullets in their bags by mistake.

Facing a maximum sentence of 12 years, US politicians went to the islands to ask for leniency, meeting Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam. But the cases are proceeding.

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Sharitta Shinese Grier is one of the five people arrested

Former islands premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson said: “Turks and Caicos Islands should be admired for its strong system of governance.‌ An easy fix would be for travellers to thoroughly check their bags.” The UK’s Foreign Office declined to comment.

Christopher Bucktin