</s>OPTIONAL FORM NO. 15 MADE IN THE U.S.A. (E.C.) (C.O.) 10-11-18 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum TO : SAC, Albany DATE: May 20, 1968 SUBJECT: Director, FBI PUBLICITY ON REWARDS OFFERED MURKIN Each Special Agent in Charge and Legal Attache is instructioned to promptly remind their established cooperative news sources, in a discreet and tactful manner, of the existence of sub- stantial reward money for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer for Dr. Martin Luther King. This money now totals at least $100,000. The FBI should not, however, be publicized as the source of this reminder. While the Bureau's continuing policy is to encourage the public to furnish information to law enforcement authorities as a matter of good citizenship, without exception of financial rewards, it is fully recognized, without rewards are often necessary to motivate some individuals. The knowledge of the extent of the substantial rewards available in the Murkin case could possibly prove of value in the solution of this major investigation. 1 - Copies to all Special Agents in Charge & Legats 144.2386-F51 CONY 2018-10-18 Buy U. S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14/78

The documents detail FBI investigations into James Earl Ray (JER), a suspect in Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, and related individuals. Key findings include: JER was identified through photographic comparisons as Eric Stavro Galt, with evidence linking him to Birmingham, Alabama, including purchases at The Gun Rack and connections to salacious book stores. FBI efforts involved reviewing bank records (e.g., a 1967 draft purchased by Eric S. Galt), canvassing rooming houses, hotels, and employment histories in Birmingham, and examining prison interactions at Missouri State Penitentiary. A confidential source incarcerated there described JER's alleged involvement in prison lotteries, his solitary nature, and conflicting accounts of discussions about assassinating MLK. JER reportedly mentioned plans to escape prison, potential financial support from an unnamed organization (COOLEY), and hiding in Virginia. Thomas Britton, a former Missouri inmate, provided inconsistent statements about possible contact with JER, while Marlin C. Myers linked Galt to dance lessons in New Orleans in 1964. The FBI also investigated Frank William Brickley, an escaped convict from Maxwell Air Force Base, though no ties to the Mobile Division were found.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray (JER)**: Suspect in MLK’s assassination; identified as Eric Stavro Galt through photographic comparisons and bank records.  
- **Eric Stavro Galt**: Alias for JER; linked to Birmingham, Alabama, via gun purchases and salacious book store connections.  
- **Quinton B. Davis**: Owner of The Gun Rack in Birmingham, reviewed suspect photographs but could not confirm identities.  
- **John Michael Kopp**: Employee at Long Lewis Hardware Store, reviewed customer records but could not identify a 1968 rifle purchaser.  
- **James W. Brown**: Former inmate who reported JER’s prison conversations about MLK and escape plans.  
- **Marlin C. Myers**: Owner of Continental Dance Studios in New Orleans, linked to Galt’s possible attendance at lessons in 1964.  
- **Frank William Brickley**: Escaped convict from Maxwell Air Force Base; no known ties to Mobile Division.  
- **Thomas Britton**: Former Missouri State Penitentiary inmate who provided conflicting statements about potential contact with JER.  

Key Locations  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Central location for FBI investigations, including gun sales, bank records, and witness interviews.  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary**: Site of JER’s incarceration; housed multiple halls (including J Hall) where prison interactions occurred.  
- **New Orleans, Louisiana**: Site of Continental Dance Studios where Galt may have attended lessons in 1964.  
- **Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama**: Location of Frank William Brickley’s escape.  

Key Events  
- **Photographic identification attempts**: Multiple witnesses reviewed images of suspects (including Galt/Ray) but could not confirm identities.  
- **Bank draft purchase by Eric S. Galt (1967)**: Linked to FBI investigation into his activities.  
- **Prison conversations between James W. Brown and JER**: Discussed escape plans, financial support from COOLEY, and statements about MLK.  
- **FBI canvassing in Birmingham**: Checked rooming houses, hotels, and employment records to track JER’s movements.  
- **Confidential source accounts**: Described JER’s alleged involvement in prison lotteries and conflicting claims about his role in MLK’s assassination.  
- **Dance studio records review**: Attempt to verify Galt’s attendance at lessons in New Orleans in 1964.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted investigations into JER, Brickley, and other suspects; reviewed bank records, prison interviews, and witness statements.  
- **COOLEY organization**: Mentioned by JER as a potential financial supporter; described as a protective network within Missouri State Penitentiary.  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary**: Site of JER’s incarceration and interactions with inmates like Johnny Valenti and "Boston."

MLK Declassified Files

44-at-2386_hs1-852715321_162-02-part_2_of_3.pdf

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