Ricin, Bombs Earn Tennessee Man 7 Years in Prison

A Tennessee man received a prison sentence of seven years and three months Friday for possessing the biological toxin ricin, pipe bombs and unregistered gun silencers, the Associated Press reported (see GSN, Feb. 6).

William Matthews, 56, pleaded guilty in February to possessing the weapons.

Under a federal plea deal, Matthews is due to be placed under supervised release for five years after leaving prison.  He might also be required to undergo random searches of his person, his residence and his belongings, according to U.S. District Judge William Haynes.

“The court believes the last condition, which I rarely, rarely impose, is necessary to the safety of the public,” Haynes said.  “My concern is the combination of the (defendant’s) mental health and lethal quality of this substance.”

Such a court order would violate the constitutional protection against unlawful search and seizure, argued defense attorney Sumter Camp.

There has been no public explanation for Matthews’ possession of ricin, AP reported. 

Matthews in late 2006 underwent a psychiatric evaluation, the results of which were not made public.  He received treatment for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in the 1960s, Matthews said during his plea hearing.  He also said he had used antidepressants and painkillers prior to being jailed (Beth Rucker, Associated Press/The Tennessean, April 27).

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