Ryan Watson, an American tourist, is currently facing the possibility of a 12-year prison sentence in Turks and Caicos after airport staff found ammunition in his luggage.
Despite claiming it was an innocent mistake, the severity of the charges has left Ryan and his wife Valeria in trouble.
The couple were stopped at Turks and Caicos airport after ammunition was discovered hidden in their luggage.
Ryan Watson, aged 40, and his wife Valerie, aged 38, were Ryan Watson, aged 40, and his wife Valerie, aged 38, were both arrested on April 11.
However, Valerie's charges were dropped recently, allowing her to return home to their children.
The couple insists that the discovery of four rounds of hunting ammunition in Ryan's carry-on bag was an innocent mistake.
They claim that while they were packing, they intended to include board shorts and flip-flops, not ammunition.
Ryan, who is a passionate hunter and outdoorsman, admitted that the ammunition belonged to him but insisted that it was accidentally left in his bag.
US tourists may be sentenced to 12 years in prison for a 'bonehead mistake' during their holiday.
The situation has turned their wonderful holiday into a terrible experience, as the couple has been stuck in Turks and Caicos for several weeks.
Their passports were taken away, preventing them from returning home.
Although they have repeatedly explained that it was an accidental mistake, the prosecutors in Turks and Caicos maintain that possessing ammunition is a grave offense.
Stricter laws established in 2022 dictate a minimum sentence of 12 years for such cases.
Despite their pleas for leniency, the couple continues to face the possibility of lengthy imprisonment.
Valerie was released to reunite with children without her husband Ryan.
Valerie shared her deep worry and anxiety when she found out about the possible sentence. She expressed their role as parents and their inability to endure lengthy imprisonment.
Fortunately, Valerie's charges were dismissed on April 22, allowing her to finally be reunited with their children in Oklahoma.
However, the separation from her husband and the uncertainty surrounding his situation still deeply affect her.
While she is grateful to be with her children once more, she also feels heartbroken due to Ryan's absence.
Valerie is determined to continue her fight for her husband's release from the criminal charges.
She has garnered support from influential Oklahoma politicians, such as Governor Kevin Stitt and Senator Markwayne Mullin, who are standing by her side.
They stated that Ryan is an avid outdoorsman and that the presence of ammunition in his bag was an oversight rather than a deliberate attempt to break the law.
Although receiving support, the couple mentioned that Ryan's extended stay and legal expenses are draining their family, both financially and emotionally.
A GoFundMe campaign was started, raising over $106,000 to assist the family.
