</s>FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-64) F.B.I Date: 4/22/68 Transmit the following in PLAINTEXT Type in plaintext or code: TELTYPE URGENT Via (Priority) TO: JACKSONVILLE FROM: MOBILE (157-2627) MURKIN, 00: MEMPHIS. DAVID JONES, ONE FOUR THREE CROMWELL ST ., MONTGOMERY, ALA ., ADVISED THREE FORTYFIVE PM TODAY, OBSERVED MAN RESEMBLING JAMES EARL RAY DRIVING IN DOWNTOWN MONTGOMEY APPROXIMATELY PIVE MINUTES PREVIOUS. REPORTED INDIVIDUAL, WM, EARLY FORTIES, WAS DRIVINO SIXTEIGHT CHEVROLET, TAN CONVERTIBLE, BEARING SIXTYFIGHT FLA. LICENSE, THREE W SIX TWO THREE THREE ZERO, AND WAS DRESSED IN DARK SUIT, NO HAT, AND GAVE IMPRESSION UNDER INFLUENCE OF INTOXICANT. JACKSONVILLE AT TALLAHASSER, FLA .. OBTAINED REGISTRATION DATA AS TO FLA, LICENSE AND DETERMINNE IF INDIVIDENTIAL WITH RAY. AIR MAIL COPY PURNISHED MEMPHITS. 1- Memphis (AM) Mobile DO:Sagef (2) 157-3627-274 Sarv/2040 Approved: Special Agent In Charge Sent 4:38 P.M Porlod F11.04 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document contains multiple entries related to FBI communications regarding a potential sighting of James Earl Ray in Montgomery, Alabama, on April 22, 1968. David Jones, employed at Price Drug Co., reported observing an individual resembling Ray driving a tan 1968 Chevrolet convertible with Florida license plate 3W62330. The vehicle was described as bearing a Florida registration, and the driver was noted to be in his early forties, dressed in a dark suit without a hat, and possibly under the influence of intoxicants. The FBI instructed Jacksonville, Florida, to verify the license plate registration and determine if the individual matched Ray. Additional directives included alerting law enforcement units, distributing wanted flyers, and ensuring border patrol checkpoints for individuals associated with the subject. The document also references an urgent directive from Mobile to all SACs (Special Agents in Charge) emphasizing rapid lead follow-up, immigration office checks, and informant coordination.  

Key People  
- David Jones: Reported sighting of individual resembling James Earl Ray; employed at Price Drug Co., Montgomery, Alabama.  
- James Earl Ray: Suspected individual observed by David Jones; linked to the assassination investigation.  
- Assistant Chief E.P. Brown: Advised law enforcement units to monitor for the subject.  
- Special Agent in Charge: Approved and transmitted FBI directives.  

Key Locations  
- Montgomery, Alabama: Site of the reported sighting.  
- Jacksonville, Florida: Location where license plate verification was requested.  
- Memphis, Tennessee: Mentioned as a destination for information dissemination.  
- Ottawa and Mexico City: Notified separately regarding investigative coordination.  

Key Events  
- April 22, 1968: David Jones reported observing an individual resembling James Earl Ray in Montgomery.  
- FBI directive to verify license plate registration and alert law enforcement units.  
- Urgent instructions to SACs for rapid lead follow-up, border patrol checks, and informant coordination.  
- Distribution of wanted flyers and contact with criminal/informant networks.  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Issued directives and coordinated investigations.  
- Montgomery Police Department: Notified via Assistant Chief E.P. Brown.  
- U.S. Border Patrol: Required to check entries/exits for Mexico and Canada.  
- Immigration Offices: Mandated to maintain records for individuals associated with the subject.

MLK Declassified Files

157-mo-2627_625067_26-03-part_2_of_2.pdf

Document Summary

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