Article Summary –
American Bryan Hagerich was given a suspended 52-week sentence and a fine of $6,700 after being caught with ammunition in his baggage in Turks and Caicos, thereby avoiding a possible 12-year sentence, the country’s minimum for possessing guns or ammunition. The judge ruled that the mandatory minimum sentence was unjust and disproportionate to the crime committed, as Hagerich had no malicious intent and simply forgot that he had hunting ammunition in his bag. Once Hagerich pays the fine, he can return to the United States without serving any time in prison.
American Bryan Hagerich Avoids Prison Sentence Under Strict Turks and Caicos Gun Laws
American Bryan Hagerich has avoided a potential lengthy prison sentence under the strict gun laws of Turks and Caicos. The father of two was found with ammunition in his baggage earlier this year.
On Friday, a judge handed Hagerich a suspended 52-week sentence and a fine of $6,700. Once the fine is paid, Hagerich will have his passport returned and can return to the United States without serving any prison time.
Under Turks and Caicos law aimed at curbing rising crime and gang violence, Hagerich could have faced a 12-year sentence – the country’s minimum for possessing guns or ammunition. However, the judge found exceptional circumstances in Hagerich’s case and deemed the mandatory 12-year sentence unjust and disproportionate to the offense committed.
Hagerich, a Pennsylvania native, was arrested in February while returning home from a family vacation when authorities found ammunition in his checked luggage. He pleaded guilty to possession of 20 rounds of ammunition and stated he had forgotten that hunting ammunition was in his bag while he was traveling.
In an interview with his wife Ashley earlier this month, Hagerich expressed remorse and maintained that he had no ill intent in the incident. “I’m a man of integrity, character,” he stated, “I did not have intent in this.”
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