Nashville Man Indicted for Possession of Ricin

A Nashville man faces a federal indictment for possession of the toxin ricin and other weapons, the Associated Press reported yesterday (see GSN, June 2).

William Matthews, 55, is charged with storing ricin in a baby food jar in a shed at this home, along with two pipe bombs and gun silencers. Authorities discovered the items May 31, while Matthews was serving a nine-month jail sentence for violating a protection order filed by his wife.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli Richardson would not disclose whether authorities know Matthews’ intent in stockpiling the material.

“That is something we have looked into, but it’s not appropriate to comment at this time,” he said.

Matthews could be sentenced to life in prison and fined $250,000 for possessing a biological agent for use as a weapon, AP reported. He could also face 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for having explosive devices or silencers.

“Those who manufacture and possess weapons of mass destruction occupy a high priority with both the Department of Justice and this U.S. Attorney’s office,” said U.S. Attorney Jim Vines (Beth Rucker, Associated Press/Knoxville News Sentinel, July 20).

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