(RestoreAmericanGlory.com) – An Oklahoma man could face up to 12 years in prison after being found with ammunition in his carry-on bag at an airport in Turks and Caicos. Ryan Watson and his wife Valerie, who were celebrating a friend’s birthday on the islands, were detained when airport security discovered four rounds of ammunition in their luggage—ammunition left over from a deer hunting trip. The ammunition had not been detected by TSA when they departed from the United States.
The situation escalated because local laws in Turks and Caicos impose severe penalties for carrying firearms or ammunition. In September 2023, the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas had issued a travel alert, advising Americans to ensure their luggage was free of such items before traveling to the islands.
Valerie Watson has since been released, but Ryan remains in custody without a clear timeline for bail or a trial. The couple now faces substantial legal fees and living costs while dealing with the stress and uncertainty of their situation. Their plight has been shared on a GoFundMe page set up to support them through this challenging time. Ryan has been granted $15,000 bail with strict conditions, including regular police station check-ins and restricted travel. The Watson family has requested privacy and advised against contacting Turks and Caicos government officials directly.
Copyright 2024, RestoreAmericanGlory.com
