</s>FD-263 (Rev. 3-9-67) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION REPORTING OFFICE OFFICE OF ORIGIN DATE INVESTIGATIVE PERIOD SPRINGFIELD MEMPHIS 5/17/68 5/14-15/68 TITLE OF CASE REPORT MADE BY TYPED BY MURKIN SA QUENTIN P. STINSON SMt CHARACTOR OF CASE CR REFERENCES: New Orleans airtel to Memphis dated 5/7/68. - p - LEADS: SPRINCFIELD DIVISION AT SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS Will report results of continuing investigation. ACCOMPLISHMENTS CLAIMED ACQUIT AUTO. FUG. FINES SAVINGS RECOVERIES TALLS CASE HAS DESHI PENDING OVER ONE YEAR YES NO PENDINO PROSECUTION OVER SIX MONTHS YES NO APPROVED SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE DO NOT WRITE IN SPACES BELOW COPIES MADE: 2 - BUREau (44-38861) 2 - Chicago (44)-1141A1) (INFO) 2 - Memphis (44-(44-1997) SALIZED New Orleans (157-10673) FILED - Springfield (44-)561) LAYO 12-9/23.3 Dissertation Record of Attached Report Notations Agency 159-106673-981 Request Recd. Date Fwd. How Fwd .. By COVER PAGE 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The documents detail FBI investigations into potential connections between James Earl Ray (FBI No. 405 942G) and individuals associated with Magistrate Robert A. Coney’s family stay at the Provincial Motel in New Orleans, Louisiana, during December 1967. Mrs. Coney reported observing a white sports car parked near the motel archway, possibly a Mustang, with three males, two females, and two small children (likely girls under ten). The occupants were described as neatly dressed, with one woman wearing a white scarf tied behind her neck. Separate reports mention Carlos Lee Billings’ alleged ties to Ray, including claims of involvement in bank robberies in 1958 or 1959, though no confirmed records match these descriptions. A list of individuals linked to the Southern Conference Educational Fund (SCEF) and other groups is referenced, with some names potentially connected to MLK’s assassination investigation. The documents also note Billings’ history of mental illness and his employment at Noble Drilling Co. in 1965.  

Key People:  
- **Robert A. Coney** (Magistrate, Peoria, Illinois) – Stayed at Provincial Motel, New Orleans, December 1967.  
- **Mrs. Robert A. Coney** – Reported observing a white sports car and its occupants during the family’s stay.  
- **James Earl Ray** (FBI No. 405 942G) – Central figure in the investigation; linked to alleged bank robberies and connections with Billings.  
- **Carlos Lee Billings** – Interviewed regarding potential ties to Ray, with claims of involvement in multiple bank robberies.  
- **Gary Gavron** (possibly a typo for "Gawron") – Allegedly involved in a 1958–1959 bank robbery, which Billings claimed was committed by others.  
- **Jack Ferris** – Mentioned as potentially connected to MLK’s assassination investigation via the Southern Conference Educational Fund.  
- **Rosalie Lavantalisk** – Subject of a closed SK-M case; linked to the Spartanist League and New Orleans Movement for A Dendericat Society.  

Key Locations:  
- **Provincial Motel, New Orleans, Louisiana** – Site of Coney family’s stay and reported observation of Ray or associates.  
- **Canal Bank Inn, New Orleans** – Where Billings stayed in 1965; mentioned as a potential location for interactions with others.  
- **Peoria, Illinois** – Home of Magistrate Robert A. Coney.  
- **Chicago, Illinois** – Reference to FBI files and bank robbery investigations.  

Key Events:  
- **December 1967** – Magistrate Coney’s family stayed at Provincial Motel in New Orleans; Mrs. Coney reported a white sports car with possible Ray associates.  
- **May–June 1968** – FBI reports on Billings’ alleged ties to Ray, including claims of bank robberies and mental health history.  
- **1958–1959** – Alleged bank robbery involving Gavron (or Gawron) and others, with no confirmed records found in FBI files.  
- **Southern Conference Educational Fund (SCEF)** – List of individuals associated with the organization, some potentially linked to MLK’s assassination investigation.  

Key Organizations:  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)** – Conducted investigations into Ray, Billings, and other suspects.  
- **Southern Conference Educational Fund (SCEF)** – Mentioned as an organization with potential ties to MLK’s assassination investigation.  
- **Spartanist League** – Linked to Rosalie Lavantalisk, a subject of a closed SK-M case.  
- **New Orleans Movement for A Dendericat Society** – Associated with Rosalie Lavantalisk and other listed individuals.

MLK Declassified Files

157-no-10673_hs1-852666771_125-04-part_3_of_3.pdf

Document Summary

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