Fifth American Arrested On Turks And Caicos Islands lands In U.S.

The fifth American arrested on the Turks in Caicos Islands for having ammo received a suspended sentence.

Sharitta Grier was detained with Edmond resident Ryan Watson, who came home last month thanks to a similar sentence.  

Grier is a grandmother from Florida who was also arrested after officials found two bullets in her carry-on bag. After a suspended sentence Grier made the flight back to her home state.   

Officials confirmed to CBS News Grier received a suspended sentence and a $1,500 fine. Grier spent time with Watson during the months-long fight by United States officials to bring them back to the U.S. On Thursday, Grier prepared to fly home after she received a 23-week suspended sentence. 

"It’s been a long time coming,” Grier said. “I’m just excited about everything. ready to get back home.”  

Grier and Watson faced potential mandatory minimum sentences of 12 years in prison. Island authorities granted Watson a suspended sentence last month with the help of Oklahoma Lawmakers.  

The pressure from U.S. lawmakers led to elected officials on the islands changing the law to give judges flexibility for sentences in firearms cases. Following Watson’s return to Oklahoma, he said he wouldn’t sleep until his new friend was home. 

“She’s my adopted sister now,” said Watson, after he returned home on June 21. “We became a family you know, whenever you’re fighting for your life with somebody else, you get a relationship that’s forged in fire." 

Watson will sleep again knowing his new friend will stand on U.S. soil with her family. Grier had gone to Turks and Caicos with her daughter for Mother's Day.