(NewsNation) — The second of five Americans who were arrested and charged with carrying ammunition in her luggage was sentenced to a prison sentence already served and a fine of $9,000 by a court in the Turks and Caicos Islands on Tuesday.

Tyler Wenrich31, of Virginia, has been in the Turks and Caicos Islands since his arrest on April 20 for carrying hunting ammunition in his luggage. He is the second American to be allowed to return to the United States this year after ammunition was found in his luggage. Three other Americans are still awaiting hearings.

“I just learned that Tyler Wenrich will be released from the Turks and Caicos Islands after serving his prison sentence and paying a fine. This is great news and another step in the right direction.” It is. Markwayne MullinR-Okla., said.

His father, Michael Wenrich, previously told NewsNation that Tyler Wenrich spent three days in jail and was then transferred to a prison where he spent a total of 14 days behind bars. The 31-year-old was released on bail and has been on the island with his father since the verdict was announced.

Tyler Wenrich said the bullets were “unknowingly left in a duffel bag he left behind on a deer hunting trip,” which airport authorities did not notice when he left the United States.

The 31-year-old escaped a prison sentence of at least 12 years.

Strict weapons and ammunition laws

In the Turks and Caicos Islands – a British territory – firearms, weapons or ricochets are prohibited on the islands. Local authorities strictly enforce firearms and ammunition laws.

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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.

Bryan Hagerich39, was the first American to be arrested and charged under similar circumstances. Hagerich was the first to be convicted and received a 52-week suspended sentence and a $6,700 fine.

Hagerich was able to return to the USA at the end of last week.

“A very simple, honest mistake”

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.

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.

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

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.

Grier, 45, of Orlando, Florida, 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.