PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands (NEWSnet/AP) — A U.S. resident arrested in Turks and Caicos Islands for illegally carrying ammunition received a suspended sentence Friday.
Bryan Hagerich was flying home, according to a spokesperson. He was sentenced to one year, suspended, and fined $6,700, said Kimo Tynes, communications director for Premier C. Washington Misick and the Turks and Caicos government.
Hagerich, who lives in Somerset County in Pennsylvania, is among five Americans to face similar ammunition-related charges in Turks and Caicos while visiting the tourist destination, about 600 miles southeast of Miami.
The British territory adopted stricter gun laws in 2022, following a jump in violence and weapons trafficking. U.S. Department of State has advised travelers not to keep guns and ammunition in their luggage.
Hagerich’s lawyer, Oliver A. Smith, said if Hagerich doesn’t get into trouble over the coming year, he will not have to serve his sentence. He paid the fine, Smith said.
“He was anxious to be back home, back to his two children. He’s happy all this is behind him,” Smith said. Hagerich is remorseful and had forgotten the ammunition was in his luggage when it was found as he was leaving Turks and Caicos, according to Smith.
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