American Tourist Spared Prison in Turks and Caicos Ammo Case

Ryan Watson avoids 12-year sentence after judge finds exceptional circumstances; similar leniency shown to other Americans.

Watson was arrested in April after four rounds of hunting ammunition were found in his luggage.
The judge ruled a 12-year sentence would be disproportionately harsh, imposing a fine and suspended sentence instead.
Recent amendments to local law now allow judges more discretion in sentencing for firearm-related offenses.
Other Americans arrested under similar circumstances have also received lenient sentences.
Watson is expected to return home to Oklahoma after paying a $2,000 fine.