</s>FD-245 (REV. 4:18:60) H. S. department of Justice (MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILED DO NOT DESTROY CALIFORNIA, N.Y. PENDING LITIGATIC! FEDERAL BUREAU ENTIRE FILE REVIEWED FOR HISTORICAL of DECLASSIFICATION INVESTIGATION Volume Number: 4/18/14 Bureau File Number Do not Hestray Sentin: 1/18-14 Pending Litigation- See also Nos. U.S. 141 then 14/4 FILL REGISTRATION CONTAINED HERE IS UNCLASSIFIED DATE: 1-18/10/20-30/30/40/50/30-40/40-50/40 NOT DESTRY ISTORR NATIONAL ARCHIVES 4 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document contains fragmented and inconsistent records detailing FBI investigations into potential conspiracies surrounding the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., with a focus on James Earl Ray's alleged involvement. It references Ray's 1967 movements in Birmingham, Alabama, under the alias Eric S. Salt, including interactions with Frank D'Aberto (linked to organized crime and gun trafficking) and Raoul, who allegedly provided financial support for weapons procurement. Ray is described as traveling between Memphis, Birmingham, New Orleans, Mexico, and Canada, with connections to the Black Panthers and alleged plans to assassinate King. FBI agents such as Larry Habanin, Dary Sigmore, and Don Brogan are noted in case discussions, alongside mentions of a safety deposit box in Birmingham, camera equipment purchases, and meetings at locations like the Starlight Cafe. The text also references broader FBI counterintelligence operations against Black Nationalist groups, including Richard Clayton Gregory, and the House Committee on Assassinations' involvement. Later sections mention Ray's alleged procurement of a rifle and clothing in Memphis, travel to Canada via Detroit, claims of framing him for the crime, and assertions of FBI/CIA complicity. Other fragments reference trials involving Davis with claims of planted evidence, witness tampering, and connections between FBI agents, organized crime figures like Frank Gilinto, and the Gulabo Lounge in Memphis. References to "E.O. 14178" suggest declassification under Executive Order 14178.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray: Alleged assassin of MLK; traveled to Alabama under alias Eric S. Salt, interacted with Frank D'Aberto and Raoul, allegedly procured weapons and equipment.  
- Frank D'Aberto: New Orleans-based figure linked to Mafia, gun trafficking, and connections to the Black Panthers.  
- Raoul: Provided financial support to Ray for potential criminal activities.  
- Larry Habanin: FBI agent involved in discussions about the MLK assassination case.  
- Richard Clayton Gregory: Black Nationalist figure targeted by FBI counterintelligence operations.  
- Eddie Evans: Deputy Chief Counsel of the House Committee on Assassinations; communicated with informants about the investigation.  
- Frank J. Lutto, Demmosee, Andy Smith, Ralph Butler, Gus Broach, Frank Halloman, Frank Gilinto: Individuals referenced in fragmented investigations involving FBI agents, organized crime, and conspiracy claims.  
- Secret Service agent (unidentified): Mentioned in interactions with Memphis police and Frank Halloman.  

Key Locations  
- Birmingham, Alabama: Ray's residence and storage point for firearms; location of Starlight Cafe where he met D'Aberto.  
- Memphis, Tennessee: Center of MLK-related activities; site of rifle procurement and travel to Canada via Detroit.  
- New Orleans, Louisiana: Hub for D'Aberto's operations; site of meetings between Ray, Raoul, and other conspirators.  
- Montreal, Canada: Mentioned in Ray's alleged escape plan involving a white Mustang.  
- Toronto, Canada: Reference to travel routes.  
- Gulabo Lounge (Memphis): Linked to organized crime and conspiracy discussions.  
- Nashville, Tennessee; Atlanta Prison; Miami Beach, Florida; Heathrow Airport (London); Bham (Birmingham): Additional locations referenced in fragmented records.  

Key Events  
- James Earl Ray's 1967 stay in Birmingham under alias Eric S. Salt; purchase of a rifle and camera equipment.  
- Ray's interactions with Frank D'Aberto, Raoul, and alleged planning for crimes against MLK.  
- FBI investigations into threats against JFK (1963) and MLK assassination, involving agents like Sigmore, Brogan, and Habanin.  
- Counterintelligence operations targeting Black Nationalist groups, including Richard Clayton Gregory.  
- House Committee on Assassinations' review of case details; communication with informants like Eddie Evans.  
- Alleged procurement of a rifle and clothing in Memphis, travel to Canada, and claims of framing Ray for the assassination.  
- Trials involving Davis with claims of planted evidence and witness tampering.  
- Rumors of a conspiracy involving firearms, narcotics, and threats against King; connections between FBI agents, organized crime figures, and the Gulabo Lounge.  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Conducted investigations into MLK assassination, counterintelligence operations against Black Nationalist groups, and tracking of James Earl Ray's activities.  
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA): Alleged involvement in conspiracies related to MLK's assassination.  
- Secret Service: Mentioned in interactions with Memphis police and Frank Halloman.  
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Implied through references to narcotics trafficking.  
- Mafia networks: Linked to New Orleans and Memphis, with connections to organized crime figures like Frank Gilinto.

MLK Declassified Files

44-bh-1740_729219_13-01-part_1_of_2.pdf

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