Pennsylvania father returns home after 102 days in Turks and Caicos over ammunition charge
Bryan Hagerich avoided a 12-year prison term, receiving a suspended sentence and $6,700 fine. He reunited with family in Pittsburgh after 102 days away.
American father freed after suspended sentence in Turks and Caicos gun case
Bryan Hagerich, a father of two from Pennsylvania, has returned to the United States after spending 102 days abroad following his arrest in Turks and Caicos over ammunition found in his checked luggage, abcnews.com reports.
A judge on Friday handed Hagerich a 52-week suspended sentence and a fine of $6,700. Once the fine was paid, authorities returned his passport and he flew home without serving any prison time.
"The weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders," Hagerich told reporters at Pittsburgh International Airport upon reuniting with his family. "It was tough, the darkest days of my life. You think you're on this beautiful island but there's nothing beautiful about it when you don't have your family."
Hagerich had pleaded guilty to possession of 20 rounds of ammunition, which he said he had forgotten were in his bag from a hunting trip. He was initially arrested in February while returning from a family vacation. Under Turks and Caicos' strict Firearms Act, the mandatory minimum sentence for possessing guns or ammunition is 12 years — a measure enacted to combat rising crime and gang violence on the islands.
The judge, however, determined that exceptional circumstances applied and that the mandatory minimum would be unjust and disproportionate given the specifics of the case.
"I'm a man of integrity, character," Hagerich said in an earlier interview with ABC News alongside his wife Ashley. "I did not have intent in this."
Following the sentencing, Premier C. Washington Misick issued a statement saying "justice has been served as the law intended." Misick added: "The Firearms Act includes consideration for exceptional circumstances and today's decision reflects our commitment to judicial independence along with upholding the law. Residents and visitors can be confident that the Turks and Caicos Islands are dedicated to safety and compassion as we protect the safety and rights of all."
When reporters asked whether he would return to Turks and Caicos, Hagerich was direct: "I think we'll be looking for somewhere else."
He also expressed solidarity with three other American tourists still on the islands awaiting resolution of similar charges. Four Americans in total have been charged with possessing ammunition; three remain on bail in Turks and Caicos, while two of those who pleaded guilty are awaiting sentencing. One was permitted to return to the US for medical reasons.
"I'm so thankful to be home here with my family and friends, but we still have three other Americans in Turks and Caicos," Hagerich said. He described his case as having "set some precedent" for those still facing proceedings.
"My work, our work, is not done until all of them get home," he added.
Source: Google News TC — Crime