Anxiety mounts as dad awaits son’s sentencing in Turks and Caicos

(NewsNation) — Tyler Wenrich is one of five Americans who were charged with carrying ammunition after authorities found bullets he says were accidentally left in his luggage.

Michael Wenrich, Tyler’s father, told “NewsNation Live” Thursday that his son had a hearing Tuesday. Oral arguments will occur next Tuesday, and the judge may deliver a sentence on the same day.

Tyler Wenrich could face a minimum 12-year prison sentence. Michael Wenrich said he’s “anxious” as his son awaits sentencing.

“We’ll hear some news one moment, and it lifts your spirits a little bit. Then, the next moment, they just come crashing down on something else. So, it is a wicked roller coaster of a ride right now because emotions go up, and the motion has come down,” Michael Wenrich said. “We really don’t know how this is going to play out, because if we look at past cases, they’re all different on the result.”

Tyler Wenrich has been in Turks and Caicos since April 20. Michael Wenrich said his son spent three days in jail and was moved to a prison, spending a total of 14 days behind bars. Tyler Wenrich was released on bond and has been with his father since awaiting sentencing.

Michael Wenrich said the U.S. Department of State has kept an open line of communication with him and his son.

Tyler Wenrich said the bullets were “unknowingly left in a duffel bag from a deer hunting trip” that went unnoticed by airport authorities when they left the United States. 

In Turks and Caicos, a British territory, firearms, weapons and stray bullets are not allowed. Local authorities strictly enforce firearms and ammunition-related laws.

Turks and Caicos said in a statement that it is “the travelers’ responsibility to ensure their baggage is free of” weapons and ammunition, which is “strictly forbidden” without prior permission.