</s>APPROVED FOR RELEASE 2025 UNDER EXECUTIVE ORDER 14176 CONFIDENTIAL- Document Body Text: General Information Assignment Number : L98-00208 INCOMING Created On : 12/29/98 OGC Document Number : OGC-LD-1998-00883 Received : 12 /29/89 Person/Crypt: Responsible Division : LD Reference # : DJ 144-72-1991 Assignment Type : DOJ/Investigation Final Version : Yes Document Specification : Assignment Name : Bill Lann Lee * Description : Letter from DOJ to Guy Watts re: reviewing files pertaining to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Categories : Sub-Categories: Author & Addressesse Author (Internal): Jerry N. Owens-C- Addressesee : Guyron C. Watts Author Organization : DCI/OGC/IMO Addresssee Organization : DCI/OGCG/LD Author (External): CL BY: 06800987, CL REASON: Section 1.5 (c): DECL ON: X1 : DRV FRM: COV 1-82

Summary: The document is a formal letter from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to Guy Watts of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), requesting access to records related to Marrell McCollough's background investigation conducted in 1974 when he was hired by the CIA. The DOJ seeks information about McCollough’s prior relationships, including any role as an informant or intelligence asset, and details from his background check, such as whether a polygraph examination was administered. The request is tied to an ongoing DOJ investigation into new allegations regarding the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with emphasis on reviewing materials relevant to McCollough’s employment history prior to 1974. The DOJ asserts that accessing thirty-year-old records should not raise disclosure concerns but acknowledges willingness to address any issues raised by the CIA.  

Key People:  
- Bill Lann Lee (Acting Assistant Attorney General, DOJ)  
- Jerry N. Owens-C (Author of the letter, DOJ)  
- Guy Watts (CIA Office of the General Counsel)  
- Marrell McCollough (Former CIA employee; subject of background investigation)  

Key Locations:  
- Washington, DC (DOJ headquarters)  
- Langley, Virginia (CIA headquarters)  

Key Events:  
- Request by DOJ to review Marrell McCollough’s 1974 background investigation records  
- Ongoing DOJ investigation into allegations related to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination  
- Discussion of potential disclosure concerns and coordination with CIA on information sharing  

Key Organizations:  
- U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)  
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)  
- Office of the General Counsel, CIA  
- DOJ Criminal Section

MLK Declassified Files

07167001_letter_from_doj_to_guy_wa.pdf

Document Summary

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