(News Nation) – An American recently released After being detained in the Turks and Caicos Islands for more than 100 days after ammunition was found in his luggage, he was criticized for sharp remarks about his ordeal being an “extended vacation.”

Bryan Hagerich, 39, said Monday in NewsNations “Dan Abrams Live“The Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Office told a congressional delegation that his detention was an 'extended vacation.'”

“Being separated from my family for three and a half months,” Hagerich said, “is not what I would call an extended vacation.”

Hagerich, a father of two from Pennsylvania, received a 52 weeks suspended sentence and a $6,700 fine after pleading guilty to possession of ammunition last week. He spent eight days in jail before being released on bail.

Hagerich was on vacation with his wife and two small children when stray hunting ammunition was discovered in his luggage. in February.

Several US lawmakersincluding Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, worked behind the scenes to secure the release of Hagerich and four other Americans facing charges in the Turks and Caicos Islands. A delegation of U.S. Congressmen and Senators traveled to the Turks and Caicos Islands to argue their case.

In the Turks and Caicos Islands, penalties for such offenses were recently increased to a minimum of 12 years in prison. However, Hagerich and another American ultimately received relatively lenient sentences after their cases attracted media attention.

Hagerich claimed that there was an “anti-American sentiment” and that police officials had told him that his detention was “merely” for financial and political purposes.

He also criticized the U.S. State Department's handling of the case, saying it only responded when the case became a national news story.

Firearms, weapons or ricochets are not permitted in the Turks and Caicos Islands, a British territory. 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, which was “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.

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.

Three other Americans, Ryan Watson, Michael Evans And Sharitta Shinise Grierare waiting for their hearings.

The Turks and Caicos Islands recorded strong tourist numbers in 2023, welcoming a total of more than 1.5 million air and cruise passengers. Latest travel news.

NewsNations Taylor Delandro, Stephanie Haines And Devan Markham contributed to this report.