Ryan Watson is a married man Oklahoma who is a father and is looking at a potential 12-year prison term in a Turks and Caicos prison after stating that he mistakenly brought deer hunting ammo to the islands.
A GoFundMe page was created to assist the Watson family and has gathered over $150,000. His wife, Valerie Watson, was briefly detained but has now been released, according to the page.
“Currently the minimum prison sentence in Turks and Caicos for possessing firearms or ammo is 12 years. The chance of any time behind bars is an extremely severe punishment in this terrible situation,” the page states.
The most recent update, from April 24, reveals that Ryan Watson “spent the last two nights in jail. Today they had a bail hearing and fortunately he was able to make bail. He is awaiting the next court appearance scheduled June 7th.”
“To not be with my kids, to not be home with Valerie right now, it’s the most awful thing that I have ever lived through at this point,” Ryan Watson told TODAY, which reported that the government of Turks and Caicos has given no indication of how it will handle his case.
According to NBC Boston, however, the court can find “exceptional circumstances” to waive the 12-year mandatory minimum sentence. The Turks and Caicos government issued a press release outlining that fact, and pointed out that four people who fell under the same sentencing structure released fine under that provision.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Ryan Watson, the Married Father of 2 Young Children, ‘Unknowingly’ Left 4 Rounds of Deer Hunting Ammunition in a Duffel Bag, the GoFundMe Page Says
The GoFundMe page says that the Watsons were visiting Turks and Caicos “with multiple couples celebrating several of their friend’s 40th birthdays.”
“They had their lives turned upside down when they tried to return home, as local airport security found four rounds of ammunition unknowingly left in a duffel bag from a deer hunting trip. It was not noticed by TSA when leaving America,” the page says.
“Now, they are facing a legal system that is unfamiliar, daunting, and expensive that operates differently than the American Justice System,” it adds.
“We are reaching out to you in a time of desperate need. The Watson family, loving parents of two young children, find themselves in a nightmare scenario—they are detained in a foreign country with no resolution in sight.”
According to Fox 23, the bullets were “four deer hunting rounds of ammunition in a Ziploc bag in one of their carry-on bags.”
Fox 23 reported that Ryan Watson was released on bail but is still on the island.
2. The Watsons Are ‘at Risk of Losing Everything,’ the GoFundMe Page Says
We need to get Ryan Watson back home so he can be with his family. Ryan and Valerie, we are praying for you and America is with you! #WeWantWatsonBack https://t.co/7ML6egC3Jy
— Ben & Candy Carson (@RealBenCarson) April 24, 2024
The GoFundMe page says the Watsons were “isolated from their family, friends, and children,” and notes, “They face mounting legal fees, living expenses, and the overwhelming stress of their situation. The emotional and financial toll is immense, and they are at risk of losing everything.”
The page notes:
As their community, we are rallying to support them, but we cannot do it alone. We urgently need your help to cover the escalating legal costs and ensure the Watsons have the basic necessities during this challenging time. Your donation, no matter the size, will contribute directly towards reuniting the Watson family and bringing them safely back home.
Please show your support for the Watson family. Your generosity can light the way for their return, providing hope and relief in their moment of greatest need. Let’s stand together to bring them home—every act of kindness brings them one step closer.
In an April 23 update, the GoFundMe page revealed that “Valerie has been released of charges and is returning to Oklahoma today. Ryan remains in jail, with no current timetable for any possibility of bail or trial date. While we appreciate your support and willingness to help, please do not reach out directly to any of the TCI government officials during this time.”
3. Ryan Watson is employed in medical sales, and reportedly his wife works as a teacher.
According to Fox 23, Ryan Watson's job is in 'medical sales' and his wife is a teacher.
Ryan Watson's Facebook page states that he resides in Brock, Texas, and is originally from Shawnee, Oklahoma. It includes a family photo and a profile picture of him on a horse wearing a cowboy hat and holding a lasso. Valerie Watson's Facebook page indicates that the couple currently resides in Edmond, Oklahoma, with her being from Fort Worth, Texas. Her page also features family photos.
However, Valerie Watson’s Facebook page states says the couple now lives in Edmond, Oklahoma. She is from Fort Worth, Texas. Her page also contains family photos.
A woman who shared the GoFundMe page wrote on Facebook, “I have a friend who needs help! I grew up with Valerie Watson and she married Ryan Watson and they have made the sweetest family!”
4. Ryan Watson Claims He Had 'No Criminal Intent,' But the U.S. Embassy Previously Warned Travelers About the Severe Mandatory Minimums
“I don't remember putting that ammunition in that bag,” Ryan Watson explained to TODAY. “But somehow they ended up in there.”
He added, “There was no criminal intent. I had never, ever meant to bring any type of ammunition into this country.”
The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas previously issued a travel alert in September 2023 that advises Americans, “TRAVEL ALERT: DO NOT BRING FIREARMS/AMMUNITION TO THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.”
Firearms, ammunition, and other weapons are not permitted in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). TCI authorities strictly enforce all firearms related laws. The penalty for traveling to TCI with a firearm, ammunition, or other weapon is a minimum custodial sentence of twelve (12) years.
We wish to remind all travelers that declaring a weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not grant permission to bring the weapon into TCI and will result in your arrest.
We strongly encourage you to carefully check your luggage for stray ammunition or forgotten weapons before departing for TCI. If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, we will not be able to secure your release from custody. You are subject to TCI laws and must follow local law enforcement procedures.
A statement from the attorney general’s chambers in Turks and Caicos says that, even if “exceptional circumstances” are found to waive the 12-year mandatory minimum sentence, “the court must still impose both a sentence of imprisonment and a fine but which are proportionality consistent with the exceptional circumstances.”
The Parliament of the islands had stiffened the penalty in 2022 “with the stated intention of deterring” firearm crimes in the islands.
Even so, in four separate cases within a two-year period, the Supreme Court “found that there were exceptional circumstances, and only imposed fines.” One person was given a custodial sentence “below the mandatory minimum,” the statement says.
5. Individuals Showed Support for Ryan Watson & His Wife on the GoFundMe Page
People filled the Watsons’ GoFundMe page with supportive comments. “Valerie is one of our favorite SHS graduates, and the thought of her and Ryan being detained, separated from family and friends is heartbreaking. I hope the collective contributions help in some way. We will be praying for a quick resolution and peace of mind for them and their families,” wrote one woman.
“I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this unfortunate horrible experience. When bad things happen to good people.. it just hits different :(” another person wrote.
“This is outrageous! God bless your family!” wrote another person. And another comment writer expressed the opinion that the island should give Watson a fine and release him.
