PINE BLUFF, Ark. (KTHV) -- A former Pine Bluff teacher was jailed on vacation in Aruba last month for possession of a gun.
Dr. Andranette Anderson has been jailed since March 21 in Aruba. She was traveling with her cousin, who was not a part of the THV11 interview, to celebrate Anderson’s 53rd birthday.
“It's like a nightmare,” said Patricia Smith.
Anderson has been jailed for more than three weeks now.
“She's a church going, God-fearing lady, and this just something that is not even in her character,” said Keatrick Walker.
Her family, including her cousins Tawanna White, Keatrick Walker, Patricia Smith, and Anderson’s long-time friend Sharon London-Payne are in shock Anderson was arrested for possession of a gun.
“It was in a box. It was not hidden. It was just in a zip space, just put in there, not hidden or anything,” said White.
Going through customs, Aruban security found a gun in Anderson’s luggage.
The cousin she was traveling with was questioned and let go. That cousin flew back to the U.S. to tell the rest of the family what happened.
“Andranette wouldn't even handle a firecracker, let alone a gun,” said London-Payne.
According to the U.S. Consulate of Curacao, the U.S. Government and a representative in Aruba cannot get anybody out of prison, a U.S. passport does not give any special privileges or treatment.
Now Anderson’s family is worried, not knowing how and when she can get home.
“I can't sleep because we don't know what kind of situation she's living in,” said Smith.
All the family can do is work with the Aruban court. They already hired an attorney there to represent her.
“We were told that he was one of the best attorneys in Aruba,” said Walker.
The family says during her first court appearance on Tuesday, they found out Anderson’s finger prints were not found on the gun, but there is also no surveillance footage showing anyone putting a gun in her luggage.
“The lawyer told us that that the judge said that she was not happy or satisfied with the investigation thus far,” said Walker.
The judge decided she will go back to court in 60 days. Meanwhile, the family says they feel like this situation is a "hoax."
“She's never had, probably not even a speeding ticket, in her lifetime,” said London-Payne.
Not knowing exactly who can help, they are reaching out to anyone.
“We're just sitting waiting and praying,” said Walker.
Congressman Bruce Westerman's office says it's aware of Anderson’s situation and they are working with the family.
A candlelight vigil will be held in Anderson's honor soon, but details have not been released yet.