Hearing could determine fate for Americans in Turks and Caicos

(NewsNation) — Since Turks and Caicos passed a law punishing possession of ammunition with 12 years in prison, some Americans have been jailed for what they say are stray bullets overlooked in their luggage.

On Friday, the first of those Americans will appear before a judge asking for leniency in a proceeding that could set a precedent for the rest of them.

Pennsylvanian Bryan Hagerich’s court hearing is set for 10 a.m. ET; however, sentencing may not be set until Monday.

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.

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

‘A very simple, honest mistake’

According to the Turks and Caicos Islands government, Hagerich pleaded guilty to carrying 20 rifle rounds in his luggage.

Hagerich was on vacation with his wife and their children when stray hunting ammunition was discovered in their luggage in February. He was detained by authorities and spent eight days in prison before posting bail.

Since then, Hagerich has remained on the island. So far, he’s missed several life events back home in the States, including his children’s birthdays.

Last month, Hagerich told “Morning in America” that he was unaware of the ammunition and called the situation a misunderstanding.

“I was called for a random bag search of my check bag and came back and consented to the search. After what seemed like a fairly lengthy period of time, hunting ammunition was found in my bag. It was just a very, very simple, honest mistake,” he said.

Other Americans awaiting sentencing

Ryan Watson is another father who is stuck on the islands.

He and his family visited the islands last month for a birthday trip. But just as they were about to head home, they were stopped by airport security.

Airport authorities claimed to have found ammunition in Watson’s carry-on luggage. He called it a “bonehead mistake” and accidental. He was granted bail but is forced to remain in Turks and Caicos away from his wife and children.

A GoFundMe page set up for the Watson family, which has raised more than $220,000, states they’re facing “a legal system that is unfamiliar, daunting and expensive.”

His family told “Morning in America” that lodging is nearly $500 a night while awaiting sentencing.

Watson is scheduled to make his next court appearance June 7.

Meanwhile, two other Americans, a 31-year-old from Virginia and a 72-year-old from Texas, are also stuck in Turks and Caicos for carrying ammunition in their luggage.

NewsNation digital producers Devan Markham and Katie Smith contributed to this report.