In Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, an American man who was potentially facing up to 12 years in prison for carrying 20 rounds of ammunition on vacation has been released following a court ruling on Friday.
Bryan Hagerich was apprehended in February while vacationing with his wife and children. He admitted to having the bullets in his luggage and pleaded guilty, advocating for his release based on time served and his acknowledgment of guilt.
During Hagerich’s sentencing at the Supreme Court in Providenciales, Judge Tanya Lobban Jackson imposed a sentence of “52 weeks but 12 months suspended,” effectively sparing him from jail time. Jackson cited exceptional circumstances, including Hagerich’s unintentional possession of the ammunition, the emotional impact on his daughter, and his clean criminal record.
While urging Hagerich to be more cautious, the judge granted his release. Emotions ran high as the Hagerich family celebrated the decision, with hugs and tears among them.
Following the ruling, Hagerich, a former MLB draftee, will reunite with his children in Pennsylvania after settling a payment of $6,700, which his attorney confirmed he could afford.
Expressing relief, Hagerich’s father shared his gratitude outside the courtroom. No cameras were permitted during the court proceedings.
Hagerich was the first of five American tourists facing legal action for possessing ammunition in the country, a violation under recent laws carrying a maximum sentence of 12 years for unauthorized possession of weapons or ammunition.