Grandma from Orlando in the Turks and Caicos Islands arrested for carrying ammunition in hand luggage – returns home

ORLANDO, Florida. – An Orlando woman who was arrested in the Turks and Caicos Islands in May is now returning home, according to CBS News.

The woman – Sharitta Grier, 45 – was originally taken into custody after two bullets were found in her carry-on luggage during a surprise Mother’s Day vacation to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

But on Thursday she was finally sentenced to a $1,500 fine and 23 weeks’ probation, CBS reported. Grier’s flight arrived in Florida on Thursday evening.

According to CBS, Grier said the following before her departure on Thursday afternoon:

“I’m just excited about everything and ready to go home to my family and grandchildren. It’s taken a long time, but God is still good. I’ve seen the hand of God throughout this journey, so I’m satisfied.”

Sharita Grier

In addition to Grier, four other Americans have been arrested in the Turks and Caicos Islands in recent months after ammunition was found in their bags.

Late last year, the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a travel warning for Americans planning to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands, warning that bringing ammunition or firearms into the British territory would result in arrest.

All five Americans (including Grier) faced a minimum sentence of 12 years in prison after their arrest.

However, Grier and three others have since been given suspended sentences. The fifth American – Tyler Wenrich from Virginia – was sentenced to prison time already served and fined $9,000.

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