Oklahoma man detained in Turks and Caicos faces 12 years after ammunition found in bag

Alexia Aston, The Oklahoman
·1 min read
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The family of an Oklahoma man is seeking funds to bring him back to the state after he was detained in the Turks and Caicos Islands when airport security found four bullets in his luggage.

According to the family's GoFundMe fundraiser description, Ryan Watson and his wife, Valerie Watson, were in the island on vacation with multiple couples.

Ryan Watson's family is raising money for legal fees as Watson is stuck in Turks and Caicos after four bullets were found in his luggage earlier this month.
Ryan Watson's family is raising money for legal fees as Watson is stuck in Turks and Caicos after four bullets were found in his luggage earlier this month.

The Watsons were detained when airport security found four bullets unknowingly left in a duffel bag from a deer hunting trip.

According to the GoFundMe, these rounds of ammunition weren't noticed by airport security in the U.S.

Valerie Watson was released on Tuesday, according to the GoFundMe. Ryan Watson made bail on Wednesday and his next court appearance is June 7.

The minimum custodial sentence for having firearms, ammunition and other weapons in the Turks and Caicos Islands is 12 years, according to the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas.

"Isolated from their family, friends, and children, they face mounting legal fees, living expenses, and the overwhelming stress of their situation," the GoFundMe reads. "The emotional and financial toll is immense, and they are at risk of losing everything."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoman detained in Turks and Caicos for bullets in luggage