Ryan Watson avoids jail time NBC Boston [Video]

American Ryan Watson is on a plane headed home to Oklahoma tonight after he was detained for more than two months in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Watson, a father of two who was charged with bringing ammunition to the islands, avoided jail time at his sentencing Friday morning.

Watson was fined $2,000 and the judge ruled that there are exceptional circumstances in his case that kept her from imposing a 12-year prison sentence.

“Feeling great, “ said Watson as he emerged from the courthouse with his wife Valerie.  “So happy that the judge took a holistic approach.  It was nerve-racking still, you know, knowing the prosecution was still pursuing a 12-year sentence and they didn’t just think that there was exceptional circumstances, but I’m still extremely blessed that the judge took a holistic approach.  And you know, I’m gonna pay this fine and go home and see those kids.”

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