Tatum man is accused of making homemade explosive devices

TATUM, Texas (KLTV) – A Tatum man was arrested on charges of making explosive devices and being in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.

According to Rusk County Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez, the sheriff's office opened an investigation into allegations that 65-year-old Robert Martin manufactured explosive devices and hid them at a property on County Road 2192. The Sheriff's Office was joined by Tatum Police Department and Constable Pct 2 Office to serve an evidentiary search warrant on Martin's property.

As they searched the property, Valdez said they found two devices believed to be hand-thrown improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This prompted local law enforcement to call the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Tyler.

ATF agents arrived and seized the suspected explosive devices.

During the search, Valdez said methamphetamine and marijuana were found, as well as numerous weapons.

Martin was arrested on charges of possession of a prohibited weapon (IED) and possession of a controlled substance.

He was booked into the Rusk County Jail on Oct. 22 on bonds totaling $70,000.

Valdez said the investigation is ongoing.

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