Senator John Fetterman is one of the lawmakers asking for leniency for Americans arrested on munitions charges in the Turks and Caicos Islands

One of the Americans facing prison in Turks Islands, Caicos, after ammunition was found in their luggage is speaking out ahead of his sentencing hearing on Tuesday.

US lawmakers are now asking for leniency as Tyler Wenrich waits to learn his fate.

“I have a lot of fear and anxiety. “You know, the best outcome is that the judge finds leniency and compassion in this situation and waives the 12-year sentence and can impose a shorter sentence than that and hopefully a fine,” Wenrich said.

Wenrich, a father, 911 operator and paramedic from Virginia, is among five Americans recently charged with bringing small amounts of ammunition into the tropical country.

Wenrich was found with just two cartridges, which he said he accidentally left in his backpack after a trip to a shooting range.

On Monday, a bipartisan delegation of American lawmakers traveled to Turks and Caicos to ask for leniency.

Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who was part of that delegation, said: “I left these meetings optimistic that we can solve the problem and look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and TCI officials to address these American challenges Bringing citizens home.”

Bryan Hagerich of western Pennsylvania is also among the American tourists facing up to 12 years in prison for possessing ammunition even though they were not carrying real weapons.

SEE ALSO: Pennsylvania man describes ‘nightmare’ after ammunition found in luggage in Turks and Caicos

Just last week, a grandmother from Florida was arrested at the airport after two bullets were found in her luggage.

“I was afraid. I didn’t know what was going to happen because I couldn’t believe they were in there,” said Sharitta Shinise Grier, 45, of Orlando.

Three other men are also waiting for the courts to decide their fate. You could receive your sentence as early as Friday.

Turks and Caicos adopted strict gun laws two years ago after an increase in violence and arms trafficking. The new laws mean Americans face a minimum sentence of 12 years plus a fine, but the court can make exceptions.