US traveler facing 12 years in jail for carrying ammo to Turks and Caicos: 'Boneheaded mistake'

OKLAHOMA CITY (NewsNation) — An Oklahoma man is facing the prospect of prison time in Turks and Caicos after airport authorities said they found ammo in his luggage.

Ryan and Valerie Watson visited the islands for a birthday trip earlier this month. But just as they were about to head home, they were stopped by airport security. Airport authorities say they found ammunition in Ryan Watson's carry-on luggage, a crime that could land him in prison for 12 years if convicted.

Ryan Watson called it a "bonehead mistake." He was granted bail Wednesday but is being forced to remain in Turks and Caicos away from his wife and children. It's not clear when he will be able to return home. His next court date isn't scheduled until June 7.

Valerie Watson, who was able to return home to the U.S. on Tuesday, told NewsNation that she can't believe this is happening. Her kids have also questioned where their dad is and when he will be home.

"Being in our home without him is really weird. It's been busy. I really haven't even spent much time with the kids yet. This is our new reality, and it's pretty terrible,” Valerie Watson said.

She added that she's terrified that her husband is facing 12 years in prison for something they say was an honest mistake. Ryan Watson is an avid hunter, she said, and the bullets were left in the bag from a previous hunting trip to Texas earlier this year.

She said the ammunition wasn't even caught by the Transportation Security Administration before their flight out of the U.S.

Turks and Caicos laws differ from US

In the U.S., bullets found by airport security typically result in a fine. But in Turks and Caicos, lawmakers passed a bill creating a 12-year minimum prison sentence for anyone caught bringing a firearm or ammunition to the islands.

On Wednesday, the U.S. government issued a warning to tourists headed to the islands.

"Carefully check your luggage for stray ammunition or forgotten weapons before departing from the United States. If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, even inadvertently, we will not be able to secure your release from custody," the U.S. Embassy in Nassau warned.

A Watson family friend told NewsNation that both Valerie and Ryan Watson were happy about the accelerated pace at which the case is moving, noting there are other Americans who have been accused of similar crimes and are still awaiting justice.

A GoFundMe page has also been set up for the family to help with expenses, and so far, more than $130,000 has been raised.

Other Americans facing charges

Ryan Watson isn't the only American facing gun charges in Turks and Caicos.

Bryan and Ashley Hagerich were on a vacation in Turks and Caicos with their children in February when stray hunting ammunition was also discovered in their luggage. Bryan Hagerich was detained by authorities and spent eight days in prison before posting bail.

Now, more than 70 days after his arrest, Bryan Hagerich remains on the island. So far, he has missed several life events back home in the States, including his children's birthdays.

"I don't think any of us ever had any idea of the magnitude this would bring to our family. It has been nothing short of a struggle these past 70-plus days," Bryan Hagerich said.

"It was just a very, very simple, honest mistake," he said.

Ashley Hagerich told NewsNation that it's been difficult at home while her husband has been stuck in Turks and Caicos. She's even taken a step back from work to take care of their kids and balance their schedules.

"Never in a million years could we imagine that an honest mistake like this could lead to the absolute torture our family is going through now," she said.