Turks & Caicos Governor Responds To Congressional Delegation Advocating For Arcadia Man's Release

News 9 is hearing from Turks and Caicos officials for the first time since U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R- Okla.) led a congressional delegation to the island country.

They were advocating for the release of an Arcadia man and four others awaiting trial after separate incidents where hunting ammunition was found in luggage as they attempted to leave the country.

In a press release, Turks and Caicos Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam defended her country and its judicial system. The congressional delegation returned to the U.S. uncertain of the American’s fate as they faced a 12-year mandatory minimum sentence if convicted.

“They were not willing to really move anywhere, and in fact it wasn’t a very cordial conversation,” Mullin told News9 Washington Bureau Chief Alex Cameron.

“The message is a message of fear,” U.S. Rep. Josh Brecheen (R- Okla.) said.

“Our discussions were professional and respectful with a focus on clarifying the legal position and the well-being of the individuals,” Selvaratnam said.

Mullin said the violations of the law were accidental while trying to leave the country. Edmond's Ryan Watson was found to have four rounds of hunting ammo in his carry-on. Ammo was missed by the TSA a week earlier in Oklahoma City.

“It was my mistake,” Watson said. “It was very innocent. And I just pray for compassion and consideration, because there was zero criminal intent,”

Following the bipartisan delegation’s visit, Pennsylvania Republican Congressman Guy Reschenthaler said in an interview, that there’s evidence the Turks and Caicos government is targeting American citizens and has an anti-American sentiment. He said every third week an American is being wrongfully detained.

The country’s governor pushed back. “It is important there is respect for due process and for public servants to perform their duties without fear or compromise. The rule of law is paramount and all are equal before the law,” Selvaratnam said.

If there is any hope in the letter, it may be a line that states “The law provides discretion in exceptional circumstances for the judge to impose a reduced custodial sentence of less than 12 years and a fine that is fair and just for each case.”

The Governor added, “To date, no U.S. National has received the mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years.”

The Turks and Caicos Governor said her government does not target Americans adding, that they are still open for business.

According to Ryan Watson’s wife, his expedited process was granted on Tuesday. He will return for a plea next week on May 28 and his trial and sentencing will follow shortly after.