20 firearms, pipe bomb components seized in Bootheel

CLARKTON, Mo. -- A Clarkton couple sat in the Dunklin County Justice Center on Thursday after authorities seized 20 firearms, components for a pipe bomb and numerous rounds of ammunition on their property.

Information indicating Mat A. Matney, who is a felon, had been seen in possession of a firearm led authorities to request a search warrant for his residence in Clarkton, according to Dunklin County Sheriff Bob Holder.

The warrant was served about 9:45 a.m. Wednesday by members of the sheriff's department, Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clarkton Police Department.

Holder said one weapon was found during the search of Matney's residence.

Matney, who arrived while the search warrant was being executed, was cooperative, Holder said.

Matney, 38, was arrested on suspicion of unlawful use of a weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm. His 37-year-old wife, Tammy Matney, was arrested on suspicion of probation violation.

A second search warrant was executed another home in Clarkton, said Holder, who described it as a "previous residence" where Matney still

had outbuildings.

Holder said another 19 firearms, including a couple of shotguns, as well as bolt-action and semiautomatic rifles, were found.

"We had quite a bit of ammunition that was found. ... I think it would be in excess of 500 rounds," Holder said. "We also found the components of a pipe bomb."

The firearms and suspected bomb components, Holder said, were found nearby.

When the bomb components were found, Holder said, the ATF agent on the scene called for the Southeast Missouri Bomb Team of Sikeston, Mo.

"They came down and secured the components and took it out and disposed of it," Holder said.

Officers remained on the scene until after 6 p.m., said Holder, who described it as a "profitable day."

Holder anticipated federal charges being filed against Matney.

On Aug. 16, 2006, a New Madrid County jury convicted Matney of possession of a firearm while intoxicated and driving while intoxicated.

The court sentenced Matney, who had been charged as a prior offender, to three years in prison.

Matney's wife pleaded guilty May 23, 2007, to possession of a controlled substance in Dunklin County. The court suspended the imposition of her sentence and placed her on three years' supervised probation.