A family is appealing for intervention after their daughter was sentenced to jail time in the Cayman Islands for breaching quarantine regulations. In light of the ongoing global pandemic, which has claimed over 1.7 million lives, strict rules have been enforced to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Skylar Johnson, an 18-year-old from Georgia, traveled to the Cayman Islands in late November to visit her boyfriend, Liam Carter, who was participating in a jet ski event. Upon her arrival, Johnson was mandated to adhere to a 14-day quarantine and was provided with a geofencing bracelet and a mobile device to monitor her location.
However, just two days into her stay, Johnson removed the bracelet and left her quarantine to attend her boyfriend’s competition. Reports indicate that she spent over seven hours at the event, mingling with others and neglecting to wear a mask.
Both Johnson and Carter were arrested and admitted guilt to violating quarantine laws, receiving a fine of $2,600 each. However, the local prosecutor deemed this punishment insufficient and argued for a harsher penalty, citing that Johnson’s actions were premeditated and reckless. The prosecutor highlighted her attempt to swap her wristband for a looser version as evidence of her intent to break the rules.
In the Cayman Islands, violating quarantine can incur fines of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for as long as two years. Ultimately, Johnson was sentenced to four months in jail.
Now, her family is actively seeking to reduce her sentence. Despite her being an adult who made a conscious choice to disregard the law, they are reaching out to officials, including former President Donald Trump, for support. Her attorney, Mark Thompson, plans to appeal for a lighter sentence, arguing that the court should take her individual circumstances into account.
“She is devastated and wants to return home,” stated her grandmother, Lisa, who has also written to Trump expressing her concerns. “We’re not asking for special treatment, just fairness.”
Her father, Tom Johnson, voiced his anguish over the situation, questioning why such a severe response is directed at his daughter for a lapse in judgment during a vacation. “It’s heartbreaking to see her life interrupted like this,” he lamented.
While the four-month sentence may not seem excessively harsh compared to the maximum penalty, it serves as a stark reminder of the serious implications of violating public health regulations. Johnson’s experience could potentially dissuade others from endangering public safety by ignoring quarantine measures.
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In summary, Skylar Johnson’s case underscores the serious legal repercussions of violating quarantine regulations amidst the pandemic. Her family’s appeals highlight the emotional turmoil experienced over a decision made during what was intended to be a leisure trip.