American lawmakers are fighting for Sharitta Grier and four other Americans detained in Turks and Caicos.
According to Black Enterprise, several US legislators traveled to the island in May 2024 to plead for their release.
Florida Secretary of State Cord Boyd revealed that he met with government officials to know “how we can expedite their release and prevent this from happening to other Americans in the future.”
Grier traveled to Turks and Caicos from Florida with her daughters on a surprise Mother’s Day trip.
Grier used the same duffel she used for her gun and bullet.
The Transportation Security Authority confiscated Grier’s body spray and lotion but didn’t find the remaining ammunition in the bag.
However, the island’s Civil Aviation Authority found two bullets inside.
The island’s authorities flagged Grier’s bag and then detained her, making her spend three nights in jail.
“It was a nightmare. I never experienced something like that in my life… I didn’t know. I didn’t see them. I didn’t hear them. I knew nothing about the rounds in that bag.”
Sharitta Grier Could Spend A Long Time Behind Bars
Authorities released Sharitta Grier on bond, but she must still appear before a judge on July 5.
Grier could be imprisoned for at least twelve years if they convict her.
As she awaits her fate, Grier revealed she feels anxious about her freedom.
“I’ve never even been to jail. I’ve never been in any trouble besides a speeding ticket.”
She remembers her Facebook post before the trip and praying with her family before they set off.
“Knowing that post and everything ending like this. I just feel God is in the midst of this whole thing… I don’t know what the end is going to be. What the story will be. God has a plan in the midst of all this.”
Sharitta Grier doesn’t know much about the other Americans arrested on the same island with similar charges.
They include:
- Bryan Hagerich from Pennsylvania
- Tyler Wenrich from Virginia
- Ryan Watson from Oklahoma, along with his mother and stepfather
The Governors of Virginia, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania sent a joint letter to the island requesting that the authorities reconsider the charges.
“We understand and appreciate the critical importance of upholding the laws and regulations of your territory for the protection of your citizens… We humbly ask that your government — in its wisdom — temper justice with mercy and recognize that these men made mistakes but had no apparent malicious intent.”
However, the island’s attorney general revealed that the case is now in the hands of the Supreme Court.
In the meantime, Sharitta Grier’s family has set up a GoFundMe account to help pay legal fees.
