</s>TP 157-3231 the forthcoming marriage, Mr. and Mrs. RICHTER stated that DON SAMC is now married to their daughter and lives with her in Portland, Oregon. A photograph of JAMES BARL RAY was shown to the RICHTER'S wife, who was that they had no information regarding the subject and that it at anytime anything came to their attention, they would notify the FBI immediately. -2- 2005 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The documents detail FBI investigations into James Earl Ray (JER) and related individuals between 1966-1968, with some references to the MLK assassination inquiry. Key elements include inquiries into Ray’s military service (16th Infantry Regiment, discharged in 1948), employment at Royal American Shows in Tampa, Florida, and associations with Charles May Johnson and James Sparks. A Plymouth vehicle with license plate 3-3643, marked "ARMED AND DANGEROUS," is linked to Ray’s movements, including sightings at the Hambo Lounge in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. FBI case numbers (e.g., 157-2331) and informants like Stanley Repachiko are referenced, with notes on Ray’s alleged tattoos. The investigation into MLK’s assassination is noted for errors and contradictions in reports, including a journalist’s critique of the Bureau’s handling. Unrelated cases involving individuals like Trafficante and Lazzara in Florida, as well as administrative actions under Executive Order 14176, are also mentioned.  

Key People:  
- James Earl Ray (JER) – Central subject of investigation; linked to MLK assassination inquiry.  
- Charles May Johnson – Associated with James Sparks through Royal American Shows employment.  
- James Sparks – Worker at Royal American Shows, identified as "Cherokee"; his wife is referenced.  
- Stanley Repachiko – FBI informant reporting sightings of Ray.  
- Louis Lomax – Journalist critical of FBI’s handling of the MLK assassination case.  
- Sergeant Major Britti – Provided military records confirming Ray’s service in the 16th Infantry Regiment.  
- Trafficante, Lazzara – Unnamed individuals involved in Florida-based criminal activities.  

Key Locations:  
- Tampa, Florida – Headquarters of Royal American Shows; FBI office and case-related activity.  
- Memphis, Tennessee – FBI field office involved in the investigation.  
- Indian Rocks Beach, Florida – Hambo Lounge where Ray was allegedly sighted.  
- Savannah, Georgia – Plymouth vehicle with license plate 3-3643 reported in 1966.  
- Birmingham, Alabama – FBI SAC coordinating inquiries.  
- Germany – Mentioned as a location for military reassignment of the 16th Infantry Regiment.  

Key Events:  
- Military service verification of James Earl Ray via records from Sergeant Major Britti.  
- Investigation into Ray’s employment at Royal American Shows and associations with Charles May Johnson.  
- FBI tracking of a Plymouth vehicle (license plate 3-3643) linked to Ray’s movements.  
- Informant activities, including Stanley Repachiko’s reports on Ray’s sightings in Florida.  
- Criticism of the FBI’s handling of the MLK assassination investigation, including errors and contradictions in reports.  
- Case details involving unrelated criminal networks (e.g., Trafficante, Lazzara) in Florida.  
- Administrative actions under Executive Order 14176 for document releases.  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Conducted telegrams, interviews, and record checks across multiple locations.  
- Royal American Shows – Employed Sparks and others; central to employment record investigations.  
- 16th Infantry Regiment – Military unit linked to James Earl Ray’s service history.  
- U.S. Savings Bonds program – Mentioned in administrative notes.  
- Local law enforcement agencies in Florida (e.g., Tampa SAC).

MLK Declassified Files

157-tp-3231_629182_175-03-part_6_of_8.pdf

Document Summary

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