Pipe Bomb, Meth, Guns & Cash
By Jessie Williams
A Macon County man is facing federal charges after local enforcement discovered a pipe bomb, drugs, guns, drug paraphernalia, ammo and a large amount of cash at his residence.
According to Macon County Sheriff Mark Gammons, on Wednesday, July 17, around 11: 30 p.m., it was reported to EMS that a male subject – identified as Cecil Masters – was severely injured at his Westmoreland home.
Masters’ girlfriend allegedly told responders he had been reloading shotgun shells at the time of the incident.
Masters was transported for medical attention. His girlfriend later accompanied law enforcement officers to the scene so they could investigate what caused his injuries.
Shining flashlights into the building where the incident occurred, officers saw what they believed to be a pipe bomb approximately 2 inches in diameter and approximately 8 inches long.
Sheriff Gammons was notified and he contacted the Tennessee Highway Patrol Bomb Squad and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The location was secured, and it was determined the bomb would be best detonated during daylight hours the following morning.
Surrounding residences within approximately 1,000 yards of Masters’ home were evacuated as a safety precaution.
The bomb was properly detonated after three attempts according to the sheriff.
A search warrant allowed local officers, along with the THP bomb squad and ATF agents, to search the property.
They discovered a large amount of black powder and other components to make pipe bombs, 5 grams of meth, over 20 firearms, over $6,500 in cash, a large amount of ammunition and drug paraphernalia.
The meth, cash, paraphernalia and one of the firearms (loaded) were located in one room. Officers believe that room to be used exclusively for drug activity and drug dealing.
The Macon County Sheriff’s Office is seeking indictments in the case and federal charges are pending.
Masters was released from the hospital on Monday, July 22, and taken into federal custody.
