(NewsNation) — The first of five Americans to were arrested and charged with wearing Ammunition in luggage was convicted on Friday and fined.

Bryan Hagerich, 39, was sentenced to 52 weeks probation and a fine of $6,700, according to a speakerHe is expected to be released shortly and will return to his homeland, the United States.

“While I am overjoyed that Bryan Hagerich will be able to return to Pennsylvania and be reunited with his wife and two children, this horrific situation should never have happened to him and the four other Americans still awaiting sentencing,” said Republican Rep. Guy Reschenthaler of Pennsylvania.

Strict weapons and ammunition laws

In the Turks and Caicos Islands – a British territory – firearms, weapons or ricochets are not permitted on the islands. Local authorities strictly enforce firearms and ammunition laws.

The Turks and Caicos Islands said in a statement that it was “the traveler's responsibility to ensure that his baggage was free of” weapons and ammunition, as weapons and ammunition were “strictly prohibited” without prior authorization.

Even within the United States, airport security finds improperly secured and undeclared ammunition or firearms. may result in a fine and criminal prosecution.

The judge in Hagerich's case found “exceptional circumstances” and said a 12-year prison sentence would be arbitrary, a spokesman said Jonathan Franks.

Hagerich's verdict gives hope to the three other Americans who remain in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The fifth defendant was able to return to the United States due to incurable health problems.

“A very simple, honest mistake”

Hagerich was on vacation with his wife and their two young children when hunting ammunition was discovered missing in his luggage in February. He was arrested by authorities and spent eight days in jail before being released on bail.

Since then, Hagerich has remained on the island, missing several events in his life back home in the United States, including his children's birthdays.

Hagerich said previously Chris Cuomo of NewsNation that he was “absolutely afraid” of a possible prison sentence.

According to the government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hagerich pleaded guilty to carrying 20 rifle cartridges in his luggage.

Hagerich will learn his fate on Friday. He faces a conviction that could result in a prison sentence of at least 12 years.

Hagerich is not alone. Four other people are also stuck on the tropical island for the same reason.

Ryan Watson, Tyler Wenrich, Michael Evans And Sharitta Shinise Grier were also arrested and charged with possession of ammunition in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Ryan Watson

Watson, 40, and his wife Valerie visited the islands in early April for her birthday, but as they were on their way home on April 12, they were stopped by airport security and escorted to the police station.

Airport authorities claimed to have found ammunition in Ryan Watson's hand luggage. He called it a “stupid mistake” and unintentional. Locals helped him pay the bail and he said he was grateful for the people he met but he wanted to return home.

Watson's next court date is scheduled for June 7.

Michael Evans

Evans, 72, was also arrested and charged after authorities said in December they found bullets in his luggage. He was released on $20,000 bail and allowed to return to the United States on medical grounds because he has terminal cancer.

He pleaded guilty to illegal possession of ammunition and faces a minimum sentence of 12 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for June.

Sharitta Shinise Grier

Grier, 45, of Orlando was arrested on May 13 and charged with possession of ammunition, according to Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Constabulary. She was out with her daughters. On the day she was arrested, Grier was visiting her daughters for Mother's Day.

According to police, Grier appeared in district court last week and was remanded in custody. A hearing on the admissibility of the charges is scheduled for July 5.

The decision is up to the judge, says Turks and Caicos Islands

The Turks and Caicos government's latest statement said no American has ever been sentenced to 12 years in prison for illegal possession of ammunition, and that a judge could impose a lesser sentence in the form of a fine.

But the possibility of a prison sentence of more than ten years remains a daunting fear for all families.

The Governor of Oklahoma said he was working behind the scenes to secure the release of the four Americans.

Governor Kevin Stitt had previously described the charges against the four men, including an Oklahoman, as “absurd.”

“We need to put pressure on the Turks and Caicos Islands and maybe impose a travel ban because it's really, really, really weird that they're trying to lock this guy away, all these guys,” he said on “Morning in America.”

Earlier this week, a delegation of U.S. Congressmen and Senators traveled to the Turks and Caicos Islands to try to bring these Americans home, but they were unsuccessful.

“I am astonished by the weakness and incompetence of your department, and you can prove me wrong. Issue a travel ban and bring her home,” Reschenthaler told Secretary of State Antony Blinken. during a hearing in the House of Representatives this weekBlinken, who represents the United States abroad, has the power to influence the release of the five Americans.

Blinken responded to the call to action: “We have brought Americans home from all over the world. That is our top priority and that is why I will never apologize to anyone for the efforts our people make every day to help Americans who are in danger.”