'I’m Blessed, I’m So Happy To Be Here:' Edmond Man Home With Family After Release From Turks & Caicos

Ryan Watson spent his first weekend home with his family since his arrest in Turks in Caicos.

The Edmond man was released last week on a suspended sentence and fine for having ammunition in his bag.

“I’m blessed, I’m so happy to be here,” Ryan Watson said from home. “I don't think it feels completely real yet but you get glimpses of it.”

Watson returned home to his children with hugs and tears at Will Rogers World Airport on Friday, 70 days after his world spun out of control on the island.

“It was looking pretty grim there for a while,” he said.

The Edmond tourist was facing a 12-year sentence for having four rounds of ammunition in his bag at the airport. After his arrest, he spent three days in jail before posting bond.

“I just was lying awake one night and I couldn't picture what my kids would like whenever I got out after 12 years and I just decided I wasn't gonna accept that as my reality and I was gonna do whatever it took,” he said.

It would take weeks to get home, but the couple decided to shine a light on their plight in the media, which got the attention of lawmakers here at home.

“The elected officials: Senator Mullin (R-Okla.), Senator James Lankford (R-Okl.,), Governor Kevin Stitt, Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.), to see those guys jump into action the way they did they led the charge there's no doubt about it,” Watson said.

Watson was released on a suspended sentence and a $2,000 fine. And despite his experience on the island, the family is giving back through a project started by their children, collecting bibles for other children on the island.

“I think it made them feel like they had a purpose in it,” said Valerie Watson. “It was really great when we went down took them to the schools and actually gave them to the kids.”

Now back home, Watson says he looks forward to moving on with his family.

“Regaining normalcy for these kids is our first priority,” he said. “It was an impossible situation that became possible, the leadership and prayer that came out of this state and to that I’m forever grateful.”

If you would like to donate to help send Bibles to Turks and Caicos, visit this link: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/PUTM1T6L7JB0

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