PRESS RELEASE: Florida Grandmother Detained in Turks and Caicos Released After State Intervention

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. –

Florida mother, grandmother and Orlando resident Sharitta Grier was released on July 11, 2024, by the court in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She is the fourth and final American that was being held on ammunition possession charges.

“This outcome proves once again that under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida is looking out for its citizens not only in Florida, but around the world,” said Secretary of State and Chief Protocol Officer Cord Byrd. “We are thankful and relieved that Ms. Grier is finally on her way home and can put this unfortunate incident behind her.”

 Ms. Grier was arrested in May for having two stray bullets in her luggage that were found when she was returning to Florida following a Mother’s Day vacation. The court gave Ms. Grier a 23-week suspended sentence and a fine of $1,500.00. Ms. Grier is expected to be back in Florida on Thursday evening. Secretary Byrd was part of a delegation in May that travelled to the islands to negotiate the release of the four Americans being detained. The delegation urged the government of the Turks and Caicos to change their laws to prevent tourists in the future from being ensnared by the unintended consequences of the law. The TCI government changed their law in June to give their courts more discretion to avoid this situation in the future.  

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