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

According to Rusk County Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez, the sheriff’s office has begun an investigation into allegations that Robert Martin, 65, was manufacturing explosive devices and hiding them at a property located on County Road 2192. The sheriff’s office i s -joined the Tatum Police Department and Constable Pct. 2 Bureau to issue an evidentiary search warrant at Martin’s property.

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

ATF agents arrived and secured 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 Oct. 22 on bonds totaling $70,000.

Valdez said the investigation is ongoing.

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