TATUM, Texas (KLTV) – A Tatum man has been arrested, accused of creating homemade explosive devices and possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.

According to Rusk County Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez, the Sheriff’s Office has opened an investigation into allegations that Robert Martin, 65, was making explosive devices and hiding them at a property on County Road 2192. The office Sheriff’s office was joined by the Tatum Police Department and Officer Pct. 2 Office to serve a search warrant on Martin’s property.

When they searched the property, Valdez said they found two devices believed to be hand-thrown improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This led 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, along with numerous firearms.

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

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

Valdez said the investigation is ongoing.

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