</s>Memorandum to Mr. Gallagher RE: NURKIN Ralph never said the money being offered was to kill King. Powell states neither he nor his brother was involved in the murder of King. Claude Powell, Jr. was interviewed and although he also claims a payment offer was made to kill king, his account differs somewhat from four weeks prior to the murder by Claude Powell Jr. states that three or four weeks Prior to the Murder of King, he in Atlanta, Ray Godfrey and a friend of Leon S. Joined them in their booth and engaged in conversation with Leon,Claude paid no particular attention to what they were talking about. Coffrey later an unknown subject (unab) with Leon, Claude paid no is their booth and placed in an expensive-looking bricfrey would pay 25,000 and then a white sale. Joined then the unfair booth opened and placed his bifacial, which was full of wrapped currency. Claude stated on $25,000 when the job was done. sort of his briefcase and he was shocked, assumed it was some closed his briefcases and departed. Ray Godfrey has been identified as Arnold Bay Godfrey and had had did not talk with another of the Powells re the assassination of King did not did not introduce anyone to them re the assassination of King or King. He denied all knowledge of any ass assasination plot to King. the CRD requested that Bureau polygraph examinations of the afforced to Godfrey was interviewed on 1/13/76, to attempt to resolve the allegation. When Arnold Say Godfrey were interviewed on 13/17/76. and denied any involvement in this matter, to agree to submit to a polycry any involvement on this matter. 1/16/76 however. Goffrey stated in an innocent and then advised he did not wish to take any polygraph examination and did not visit to talk to the further information, they should contact his attorney. On 1/19/76/76 Claude Powell, Jr. was afforded a Bureau polygraph examination that Claude Powell was a bureau examiner concluded that Claude Powell was response to certain questions indicated he is truthelling in stating someone did, questions related to his truth telling's in stating reasons did, Claudia Powell, who was another question and his reaction following the answer indicate he has possible knowledge regarding the unidentified person who made the payment offer. 2 CONTINUED - OVER 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations from January 1976 regarding allegations that Leon Owen Powell and his brother, Claude Powell Jr., were approached in 1967 at Pete’s Place, a bar in Atlanta, Georgia, by an individual offering $25,000 to assassinate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The FBI sought to verify the claim through polygraph examinations of Powell, his brother, and Arnold Ray Godfrey (identified as Ralph [LNU] or Ray Coffrey). Diane Brady, a former employee at Pete’s Place, confirmed her association with the bar and identified individuals linked to the establishment, including "Dottie" (an employee later employed at McKinnon’s Restaurant) and Ray Godfrey. The FBI also interviewed witnesses such as Annie Lois Coupos, former wife of Leon Powell, who reported his drunken discussions about killings, and Floyce Powell Bryson, sister of the Powells, regarding their drinking habits. The investigation included cross-referencing phone records, verifying locations using Atlanta city maps, and coordinating with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division (CRD) to manage media inquiries and investigative secrecy. Key discrepancies emerged between the Powells’ statements about the payment offer, with one claiming $25,000 and another referencing $50,000. The case is linked to the 1968 assassination of Dr. King, which was previously attributed to James Earl Ray.  

Key People  
- **Leon Owen Powell**: Allegedly approached in 1967 at Pete’s Place for an assassination offer; described as a Korean War veteran with alcoholism issues.  
- **Claude Powell Jr.**: Brother of Leon Powell; interviewed and subjected to polygraph examination; described an unknown individual ("Duke") offering $25,000 to kill MLK.  
- **Arnold Ray Godfrey** (identified as Ralph [LNU] or Ray Coffrey): Alleged contact who offered payment for the assassination; denied involvement and refused further FBI contact.  
- **Diane Brady**: Owner of "The Office" lounge and former employee at Pete’s Place; confirmed details about bar operations and personnel.  
- **Annie Lois Coupos**: Former wife of Leon Powell; reported his drunken discussions about killings.  
- **Floyce Powell Bryson**: Sister of the Powells; provided background on their drinking habits.  

Key Locations  
- **Pete’s Place** (Atlanta, Georgia): Bar where the alleged meeting occurred in 1967.  
- **McKinnon’s Restaurant** (Atlanta, Georgia): Employed "Dottie," an employee of Pete’s Place.  
- **Moreland Avenue** (Atlanta, Georgia): Location of Pete’s Place and "The Office" lounge.  
- **Gwinnett County**: Tag on the unsub’s car described during the alleged meeting.  

Key Events  
- **Alleged 1967 meeting at Pete’s Place**: An unknown individual ("Duke") offered $25,000 to kill MLK and promised additional payment upon completion.  
- **Polygraph examinations** (January 1976): Conducted for Leon Powell, Claude Powell Jr., and Arnold Ray Godfrey; results were inconclusive or pending.  
- **Interviews with witnesses**: Including Diane Brady, Annie Lois Coupos, and Floyce Powell Bryson to corroborate details about the unsub’s description and alleged offer.  
- **Coordination between FBI and CRD**: To manage media inquiries and ensure investigative confidentiality.  
- **Death of Pete Davis** (owner of Pete’s Place): Occurred in May 1975, noted as a key contextual detail.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted polygraph exams, interviews, and location verification.  
- **U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division (CRD)**: Coordinated with the FBI to address allegations and review polygraph results.  
- **Bureau-approved polygraph examiners**: Including John B. Reynolds and Loren K. Lee.

MLK Declassified Files

190-hq-709_bulky_231_sec_006_ser_231_only-part_04_of_12.pdf

Document Summary

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