May 28, 2024
LOUISA COUNTY, VA — A man from Louisa County, Virginia, has been sentenced on Tuesday without facing prison time after he was discovered with ammunition in his luggage in Turks and Caicos.
Tyler Wenrich was found to have ammunition at a security checkpoint upon his arrival in Turks and Caicos while on a bachelor party cruise, as reported by ABC News. Wenrich explained that he had forgotten about the ammunition in his bag from a previous visit to a gun range with friends. It is important to note that Turks and Caicos imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years for crimes related to guns and ammunition.
In a statement given to ABC News, Wenrich expressed his relief at being able to return home to his 18-month-old son. His wife was present in Turks and Caicos during the court proceedings.
Wenrich was taken into custody on April 23 after authorities discovered two hunting bullets in his possession. He pleaded guilty to charges related to illegal possession of ammunition on May 21.
Senator Mark Warner, one of the senators representing Virginia, mentioned that the sentencing decision was influenced by efforts from his office and Congress.
“I’m pleased to see that Tyler Wenrich from Virginia has received a lenient sentence for inadvertently carrying just two hunting bullets to Turks and Caicos while on a cruise,” Warner stated in a release. “Tyler had no intention of violating the law, and I am greatly relieved that the judicial system opted for fairness and leniency rather than a 12-year prison term. I am delighted that he will soon be reunited with his wife and one-year-old son in Louisa County, and I will continue to advocate for the safe return of mistakenly detained Americans worldwide.”
