Pennsylvania man detained in Turks and Caicos for ammo in luggage hugs tearful kids and wife for first time since his arrest

A Pennsylvania man detained in Turks and Caicos for carrying ammunition in his luggage has finally been released from custody and reunited with his family. 

Video footage captured the heartwarming moment Bryan Hagerich, 39, arrived at Pittsburgh airport Friday night and hugged his crying kids and wife after seeing them for the first time since his arrest in February. 

Upon his arrival, Hagerich told reporters he was 'absolutely elated' to be home, CNN reported. 

'We have a lot of catching up to do,' he added. 'A lot of memories to make together. Just so elated to see them. They've been so strong through all this.' 

Hagerich, who received a suspended 52-week sentence and a $6,700 fine after pleading guilty, is the first of four other Americans detained in Turks and Caicos. 

Video footage captured the heartwarming moment Bryan Hagerich, 39, arrived at Pittsburgh airport Friday night and hugged his crying kids and wife after seeing them for the first time since his arrest in February

Hagerich, who received a suspended 52-week sentence and a $6,700 fine after pleading guilty, is the first of four other Americans detained in Turks and Caicos  (Bryan , second from right, with his children, Caroline, 6, and Palmer, 4, his wife, Ashley, Gisele Fetterman, her husband, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., and Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa)

A possession of firearms or ammunition carries a minimum 12-year sentence on the island. 

On Friday, a judge gave him a 52-month suspended sentence and ordered him to pay a $6,500 fine after he pleaded guilty in exchange for his release.

Hagerich is seen embracing his children, Palmer, 4, and Caroline, 6, who are holding welcome home signs next to his smiling wife, Ashley, after arriving at Pittsburgh International Airport Friday, 

'It's just amazing how, just in the matter of 12 hours, looking at 12 years to now,' he told reporters Friday. 'My biggest concern is coaching my kids' baseball games tomorrow, and that is such a relief.' 

Ryan Watson, 40, Tyler Scott Wenrich, 31, and Sharitta Shinse Grier, 45, all remain trapped on the island, while Michael Lee Evans, 72, was bailed and allowed to fly back to the US as he has a serious medical condition. 

They claim they didn't know any bullets were in their bags - saying they could have been left there after hunting trips or by mistake - and asked for mercy.

Upon his arrival, Hagerich told reporters he was 'absolutely elated' to be home

On Friday, a judge gave him a 52-month suspended sentence and ordered him to pay a $6,500 fine after he pleaded guilty in exchange for his release

Palmer Hagerich, 4, waits for his father, Bryan, to arrive at Pittsburgh International Airport Friday, May 24, 2024

But a delegation of two US senators, three members of the House and embassy and state department representatives were 'not able to find a path forward' to secure their release, meaning they are still facing 12 years in prison.

Wenrich pleaded guilty on Tuesday and will be sentenced on May 28. Watson and Grier are yet to plead.

Hagerich, Watson, and Grier have been sharing an apartment under house arrest on the Caribbean island while they awaited their fates.

Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey welcomed the news Hagerich would soon be released and go home to his family.

'I'm grateful that the authorities in Turks and Caicos exercised leniency and that Bryan Hagerich will soon be on his way home to his family in Somerset,' he said. 

Bryan Hagerich (pictured) talks to reporters at the airport. Ryan Watson, 40, Tyler Scott Wenrich, 31, and Sharitta Shinse Grier, 45, all remain trapped on the island, while Michael Lee Evans, 72, was bailed and allowed to fly back to the US as he has a serious medical condition

Tyler Wenrich, 31, pictured with his wife Jeriann, is also facing 12 years in prison after two 9mm bullets were found in his luggage on April 20 as he departed a bachelor party cruise

Ryan Watson, 40, an avid hunter, said loose hunting bullets were found in his luggage as he and wife his Valerie left their vacation. He still remains on the island

Sharitta Grier, center, is now living in a rental home on the island with Ryan Watson, left, and Bryan Hagerich, seen right, who were all caught with ammunition in their bags 

Hagerich before his sentencing said he was hopeful he would be able to get off the island instead of being jailed. 

'I never in a million years thought I'd be in Turks and Caicos for over 100 days for a simple mistake,' he told Fox News.

'There's obviously a lot of anxiety. There [are] a lot of prayers… from families, friends, folks we don't even know across the world right now, to hopefully bring that outcome.' 

Hagerich insisted he had no intention of bringing ammo to the islands.

He expressed the difficulty of being separated from his family.

'As a father, it's my responsibility to provide for my family, to protect my family, to support them in every way imaginable. And for me it's just been catastrophic,' he said in an earlier interview.