</s>ME 44-1987 CONTRIBUTOR OF NAME AND ARRESTED CHARGE DISPOSITION FINGERPRINTS NUMBER OR RECIVED PD St. Louis James Earl 10/16/59 suspicion of robbery Mo. Ray #1071 of robbery stealing & fugitive other other State Peni- James Earl 3/17/60 20 years (20, tentiary Ray #00416 operating 5, 5, con- Jefferson operating current) City, Mo. motor vehl- ple without cleaning of owner robbery first (b/m DDW) (2 charges) 93 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document details FBI investigative activities and administrative procedures during May–June 1968, focusing on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination investigation. It includes a directive from May 20, 1968, instructing agents to publicize rewards ($100,000 minimum) for information leading to the arrest of MLK’s killer while omitting the full reward amount from public disclosure. James Earl Ray, identified as a fugitive and one of the "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives," was apprehended by Scotland Yard in London on June 8, 1968, prompting the cancellation of prior investigative materials. Administrative entries reference informant report guidelines (e.g., FD-395 form for rights advisement during interrogations), updates on other fugitives like Johnny Ray Smith and George Michael Gentile, and procedural notes to avoid compromising sources. The text also mentions Charles Stephens of Jonestown, Mississippi, who claimed to have seen the assassin at a Memphis rooming house, along with connections to Birmingham, Alabama, and Clarksdale, Mississippi.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray: Apprehended in London on June 8, 1968; identified as a suspect in MLK’s assassination.  
- Charles Stephens: Allegedly saw the assassin in Memphis; associated with Jonestown, Mississippi.  
- Louis Stephens, Annie Belle Wolf, Vester Stephens: Mentioned in connection to Charles Stephens’ family.  
- Johnny Ray Smith: Added to the "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list on June 20, 1968.  
- George Michael Gentile: Added to the "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list on June 18, 1968.  

Key Locations  
- Memphis, Tennessee: Rooming house linked to the assassin; home to Charles Stephens and Vester Stephens (last employed by Salvation Army).  
- Jackson, Mississippi: Central location for FBI operations.  
- London, England: Site of James Earl Ray’s apprehension by Scotland Yard.  
- Clarksdale, Mississippi: Investigation into KEN SINGFIELD and William Tidwell.  
- Newark, Michigan: Location where Denny Lloyd Simons was apprehended on June 13, 1968.  

Key Events  
- May 20, 1968: FBI directive to publicize rewards for MLK’s killer without disclosing full reward amount.  
- June 8, 1968: James Earl Ray’s arrest in London, leading to cancellation of prior investigative materials.  
- June 14, 1968: Confirmation of Ray’s apprehension and instructions to update records.  
- June 18, 1968: George Michael Gentile added to the "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list.  
- June 20, 1968: Johnny Ray Smith designated as a replacement on the "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list.  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Oversaw investigations, reward directives, and informant procedures.  
- U.S. Department of Justice: Oversight body for FBI operations.  
- Fifth Circuit Court: Referenced in legal procedural guidelines for rights advisement forms.

MLK Declassified Files

157-jn-9586_624938_427d-03-part_5_of_5.pdf

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