OKC Standard

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Josh Brecheen issued a statement following the sentencing of Bryan Hagerich from Pennsylvania, one of five Americans detained by the Turks and Caicos government for inadvertently carrying ammunition in their luggage.

“I am glad to see that a step towards common sense prevailed and Bryan Hagerich of Pennsylvania will be able to return to the U.S. after paying a fine,” said Congressman Brecheen. “His months spent detained in Turks and Caicos already is not right and should not be seen as just moving forward for the others awaiting trial."

Brecheen expressed hope that this outcome would set a precedent for the four other detained Americans, including Ryan Watson from Oklahoma. "Ryan and the others deserve both expedited and just decisions," he stated. "What I said directly to Turks and Caicos’ Premier and their Attorney General remains true: the pending cases are priority number one, but long-term fear will remain for U.S. citizens traveling to Turks and Caicos unless this law is modified. The threat of a twelve-year prison sentence for accidentally leaving a few bullets in your bag is not justice.”

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