A Virginia father who inadvertently had ammunition in his luggage while boarding a cruise is now facing a minimum 12-year sentence in a Turks and Caicos prison, describing it as a living “nightmare.”
Tyler Wenrich, a 31-year-old paramedic, has been detained on Grand Turk Island after two 9mm rounds were discovered in his bag at a security checkpoint upon his return to the Royal Caribbean Cruise ship following a beach outing.
“I can hardly believe it’s happening to me, and I’m stuck in the midst of it,” he shared with NBC10 Boston from the island where he is confined, separated from his wife and one-year-old son.
Wenrich explained that the ammunition was a result of his forgetfulness, having it in his bag from previous hunting trips.
“I checked it before I left, and it was just a complete oversight on my part, the TSA, and the port security,” he admitted. “Three groups missed that ammunition.”
While the offense used to result in a minor fine, Turks and Caicos officials implemented a 12-year minimum sentence in 2022.
Wenrich was able to post bail recently but is still stranded on the island, residing with his father as his case progresses through the legal system.
“I spent about three nights in jail and then was transferred to the prison for around nine nights. It was incredibly challenging,” Wenrich shared.
“It’s definitely the most difficult situation I’ve ever faced.”
Royal Caribbean has refrained from commenting on the incident.
Wenrich is among several Americans who have been arrested for this offense recently and are now stuck on the island awaiting sentencing.
Another individual, Bryan Hagerich, a 39-year-old father from Pennsylvania, appeared in court in Turks and Caicos and was informed that he must remain on the islands for an additional three weeks until his sentencing.
Similarly, Ryan Watson, a 40-year-old father from Oklahoma, faces charges for having ammunition in his bag and remains on the island.
Michael Lee Evans, a 72-year-old US citizen, pleaded guilty to a similar offense, with his sentencing hearing scheduled for June 18.
Following the enactment of the firearm and ammunition law last year, four Americans have had their cases resolved with fines, while one individual received an eight-month prison sentence.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires ammunition to be secured in a case within checked luggage, but the laws in Turks and Caicos differ.
The US Embassy in Nassau issued a travel alert emphasizing that firearms, ammunition, and other weapons are prohibited in the Turks and Caicos Islands, with strict enforcement of related laws and severe penalties for violations.
“The penalty for traveling to TCI with a firearm, ammunition, or other weapon can result in a minimum custodial sentence of twelve (12) years,” the embassy alert states. “If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, even inadvertently, we will not be able to secure your release from custody. You are subject to TCI laws and must follow local law enforcement procedures.”
