</s>ROBERT POWELLY PRISONERS A FARMINGTON ITSOURE AND DOE RUN MISSOURIY A.C. HOWARD O. HALLOWE, A.R. HILLOWE AND DOE RUN, MISSOURE.

Summary:  
The documents detail FBI investigations into individuals incarcerated in Missouri prisons during 1968, focusing on inmate interactions and potential connections to organized crime or extremist activities. Donald Dean Rigger (inmate number 059959) was interviewed regarding his time at the Missouri State Penitentiary and his knowledge of James Earl Ray (RAY), a fugitive linked to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rigger stated that RAY had no close associates but was associated with Donald Johnson, who worked in the prison kitchen. Rigger also mentioned RAY's interest in Mexican Army structures and his prior bond jumping in Mexico.  

John Paul Velanti (JOHNNY VELANTI) was interviewed about his interactions with RAY during incarceration at the Missouri State Penitentiary. Velanti noted that RAY’s escape attempts were common but did not recall him personally. He also mentioned awareness of organized crime figures like Orville Gann (PAPBY) and COOLEY's Organization, which he associated with Black inmates in Missouri prisons. Velanti further stated that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a target for assassination by individuals resisting integration, though no direct involvement was confirmed.  

Key People:  
- Donald Dean Rigger (inmate 059959)  
- James Earl Ray (RAY)  
- John Paul Velanti (JOHNNY VELANTI)  
- Orville Gann (PAPBY)  
- COOLEY's Organization  
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  

Key Locations:  
- Missouri State Penitentiary, Jefferson City, Missouri  
- Mobberly Minimum Security Prison, Missouri  
- St. Louis, Missouri  
- Belleville, Illinois (WMRY radio station)  

Key Events:  
- Rigger’s incarceration and interactions with RAY  
- Velanti’s interviews about RAY’s prison activities and potential connections to organized crime  
- Mention of Dr. King being targeted for assassination by individuals opposing integration  

Key Organizations:  
- Missouri State Penitentiary  
- Mississippi State Penitentiary  
- COOLEY's Organization (unidentified, referenced as a group associated with Black inmates)

MLK Declassified Files

157-no-10673_hs1-852666771_124-03-part_5_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

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