Dad back from Turks and Caicos detainment: ‘Doesn’t feel real’

(NewsNation) — Bryan Hagerich, an American detained for more than 100 days in Turks and Caicos on charges that he carried ammunition into the islands, has returned to Pennsylvania.

He reunited with his wife and two children this week. Last Friday, the 39-year-old was handed a 52-week suspended sentence and a $6,700 fine, according to a spokesperson.

‘It doesn’t feel real’: Hagerich on returning home

Although he’s happy to be home, Hagerich said Wednesday on “Morning in America” that it’s not as simple as immediately resuming a normal life.

‘It doesn’t feel real. To go through everything that I’ve gone through the past 101 days, it’s not as simple as just coming home and flipping the switch and going back to a normal life,” Hagerich said. “This was literally, more or less, a fight for my life.”

He added that he’s trying to “find a little bit of normalcy here, which it’s going to take some time.”

Hagerich was on vacation with his wife and their two young children when stray hunting ammunition was discovered in his luggage in February. He was detained by authorities and spent eight days in prison before posting bail. He remained on the island until his return home.

Several U.S. lawmakers, including Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, had worked behind the scenes to help free Hagerich and four others Americans charged in Turks and Caicos. Last week, a delegation of U.S. congressmen and senators traveled to Turks and Caicos to plead their case.

“Thankfully, we had a ton of support from the congressional delegation that came down — congressmen, senators — who truly made an impact in supporting us and fighting for what’s right,” Hagerich said.

Strict firearm and ammunition laws

In Turks and Caicos Islands — a British territory — no firearms, weapons, or stray bullets are allowed on the islands. 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.

Even within the U.S., improperly secured and undeclared ammunition or firearms found by airport security can result in a fine and criminal referral.

The judge in Hagerich’s case found “exceptional circumstances” and said a 12-year jail sentence would be arbitrary, according to spokesperson Jonathan Franks.

Hagerich’s sentence provides hope for the three other Americans who remain in Turks and Caicos. The fifth person who had been charged was able to return to the U.S., citing terminal health issues.

Other Americans awaiting sentencing

Tyler Wenrich, 31, of Virginia, was sentenced Tuesday to time served and a $9,000 fine in a Turks and Caicos court Tuesday. He’s expected to return home soon.

Three other Americans, Ryan Watson, Michael Evans and Sharitta Shinise Grier, are awaiting hearings.

Hagerich and Watson stayed together while they awaiting sentencing. Hagerich said he’s still in contact with Watson daily and they’ve become “essentially best friends throughout all this.”

“We were fighting for our lives together,” Hagerich said. “I’m not done until I see Ryan and the rest of the Americans off the island.”

NewsNation correspondent Stephanie Haines and digital producer Devan Markham contributed to this report.