After months detained in Turks and Caicos, A small island north of Haiti, Oklahoma native Ryan Watson will speak in Hennessey about his gratitude to be home.
Ryan and his wife, Valerie, were stopped in April after authorities found ammunition in Ryanโs luggage. Valerie was allowed to return to the U.S., but Ryan faced the possibility of 12 years in prison. Instead, he received a suspended 13-week sentence, nine monthsโ probation, and a $2,000 fine. He returned home on June 21.
Watson credited the support of friends, strangers, and state leaders, including Senators Mark Wayne Mullin, James Lankford, and Governor Kevin Stitt, for helping secure his release. He said the bullets were hidden in the lining of his bag and passed through TSA in Oklahoma unnoticed.
While grateful for the beauty of the islands, the Watsons said they wonโt return, believing they were targeted as Americans. They continue to advocate for another detained U.S. citizen, Sharita Grier of Florida, who faces similar charges.
Ryan will speak at The Gathering Place in Hennessey on August 24th, at 4:00 pm.
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