American woman charged after ammunition found in baggage in Turks and Caicos on Mother’s Day trip

COCKBURN TOWN — Police in Turks and Caicos have charged an American woman with ammunition possession — a crime that carries a minimum penalty of 12 years — after airport officials alleged they found illegal ammunition in her luggage.

Sharitta Shinise Grier, 45, of Orlando, was visiting Turks and Caicos with her daughter for Mother’s Day when, during a routine search at the Howard Hamilton International Airport Monday, officials claim to have found two rounds of ammunition in her bag, police said.

Grier and her daughter were both arrested, though the daughter was later released.

Officials confirmed today the mother had been charged. She is expected in court tomorrow, officials said. Attorney information for the defendant wasn’t immediately available.

Two years ago, the Turks and Caicos government tightened their gun laws and prohibited civilian firearms or ammunition. If convicted, offenders are sentenced to a minimum of 12 years in prison.