Fourth American arrested for possession of ammunition in Turks and Caicos Islands receives suspended sentence – WSOC TV

He faced a minimum sentence of 12 years unless a judge could find exceptional circumstances that would justify a shorter sentence. In the Turks and Caicos Islands, it is illegal to bring ammunition into the country without first obtaining permission from the police.

( Oklahoma man receives suspended sentence for smuggling ammunition to Turks and Caicos Islands )

Evans was allowed to return to the US on bail due to a “serious” health condition, CNN reported. CBS described him as “terminally ill.” The 72-year-old attended the hearing on Monday via video link from Texas, according to the news channel.

Three other Americans were convicted on similar charges in recent weeks after authorities found ammunition in their luggage.

( Second American convicted of smuggling ammunition to Turks and Caicos Islands begins serving prison sentence )

Last week, a judge imposed a 13-week suspended sentence and a $2,000 fine on Oklahoma resident Ryan Watson after officers found four rounds of ammunition in a travel bag on his return trip to the United States in April.

Last month, a judge sentenced Virginia man Tyler Wenrich to time already served and fined $9,000 after officers found two bullets in his backpack in April. Earlier, a judge sentenced Pennsylvania man Bryan Hagerich to 52 weeks’ probation and a $6,700 fine after hunting ammunition was found in his luggage.

( American arrested on Turks and Caicos Islands for carrying ammunition in bag receives suspended sentence )

Another American, Florida resident Sharitta Grier, is expected to appear in court in the Turks and Caicos Islands on Tuesday to face charges of possession of ammunition, WFTV reported. Authorities arrested Grier at an airport in May after she traveled to the territory for a Mother’s Day trip. Authorities found two bullets in her carry-on luggage, according to WFTV.

The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas had previously warned people not to bring firearms, ammunition or other weapons to the Turks and Caicos Islands, citing the territory’s strict gun laws. Officials urged Americans to ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy “immediately” if they are arrested or detained abroad.