By: Maria-Paula

A Virginia resident from Louisa County, Tyler Wenrich, was sentenced to three weeks in jail and a fine of $9,000 during a trip to Turks and Caicos Islands after his bag was found with ammunition. 
Wenrich, 31, who visited the island with his wife, Jerrian, and their one-year-old son was arrested and jailed on April 20 after customs authorities found two bullets in his backpack. 

In 2022, Turks and Caicos strengthened its firearms ordinance by passing an amendment to curb gun related violence and weapon trafficking.

Unlike the U.S., Turks and Caicos have no constitutional rights regarding firearm possession and enforce strict gun laws that prohibit anyone from keeping, carrying, discharging, or using an unlicensed firearm or ammunition Whether travellers or residents, violations of the strictly forbidden law can lead to a 12-year mandatory minimum sentence. 

During sentencing, the judge had discretion to consider exceptional circumstances for Wenrich’s conviction of possessing ammunition. Since he had spent three weeks in custody before the court’s judgement, the court recognized it as time served and set him free. The Government of the Turks and Caicos, through its director of communications, Kimo Tynes, in a news statement announcement, shared the same sentiments on the judgement.

His family’s reaction was all joy as his wife expressed relief and happiness that they could return home. 

Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the below statement following the sentencing of Virginia resident Wenrich:
 
“After advocacy from my office and across Congress, I’m glad to see Virginia resident Tyler Wenrich receive a lenient sentence for mistakenly bringing just two hunting bullets to Turks and Caicos while on a cruise. Tyler never sought to break the law, so I’m deeply relieved that the justice system chose fairness and leniency over a 12-year prison sentence. I’m thrilled he will be able to return home to Louisa County with his wife and one-year-old son, and I will continue advocating for the safe return of wrongly detained Americans across the world.”

A total of five Americans, including Wenrich, have been arrested in recent months, all for having firearms and/or ammunition in their luggage. 

Although no US citizen has received the mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years, the possibility remains open. Travellers to the island should therefore practice caution not to bring firearms, ammunition, or other forbidden weapons for a stress-free travel experience