</s>FD-36 (Rev. 2-14-74) FBI Date: Transmit the following in Type in plainxt or code) Via (Precedence) PAGE THREE CE 44-1365 CLEAR MEMPHIS REVIEW INDICIES REGARDING OTIS MOORE AND ADVISE. CHARLOTTE WILL PROMPLY FURNISH ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM DR. GRACE. BT Approved: Special Agent in Charge Sent M Per 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document contains FBI and Secret Service records involving Otis Moore, who claimed in 1976 he was offered $59,000 by two unknown men to assassinate Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) while drinking at a bar in Temple, Texas. Moore alleged his information, combined with details from James Earl Ray and Senator Edward Kennedy, could resolve the assassination case. He also mentioned a "multi-millionaire lawyer from Dallas" was present during the offer. His wife, Lydia M. Moore, noted his mental health issues, including treatment for a nervous disorder prior to 1976. The FBI interviewed Moore in May 1976, noting his erratic behavior and intent to seek out Senator Kennedy and Ray. Moore’s military records indicate service with the U.S. Army, including deployments to Germany, Vietnam, and Thailand, retiring in 1974. The Secret Service and FBI concluded he was mentally unstable but not a threat due to lack of weapons.  

Allen Ray Hall, an inmate at Central Prison in Raleigh, North Carolina, was interviewed by FBI agents Terry D. Peters and Joseph M. Zimmermann on February 1, 1977. Hall stated he had discussed MLK’s assassination with an individual named Walden, who allegedly drew him a sketch of James Earl Ray. During his incarceration, Hall claimed prison superintendent Berry searched his cell for the sketch but found none. Walden suggested using information about Ray’s escape from the country to potentially extricate Hall from legal troubles, though Hall did not confirm direct involvement in King’s murder. The document references FBI case number 44-1365-5OP and notes no recommendations or conclusions were made by the FBI. A separate section mentions Otis Moore contacting Dr. Eugene V. Grace in Durham, North Carolina, to discuss publishing a book about MLK’s assassination. Moore claimed he had previously reported this information to the FBI and expressed concerns about his safety due to potential threats. Grace indicated no publication plans as of March 17, 1977, but noted ongoing contact with Moore. The text also includes references to a file destruction order (FD-479) for case 44-1365, stating the file was preserved for a select committee investigating assassinations. Other sections mention bomb threats and extremist matters linked to the Civil Rights Division, though details are fragmented.  

Key People  
- **Otis Moore**: Claimed involvement in MLK’s assassination plot; offered $59,000 in 1965 by unknown men; alleged interactions with James Earl Ray and Senator Edward Kennedy; military service with U.S. Army.  
- **James Earl Ray**: Implied as the subject of a sketch drawn by Walden according to Allen Ray Hall’s claims; central figure in MLK assassination investigations.  
- **Allen Ray Hall**: Inmate at Central Prison, Raleigh, North Carolina; interviewed by FBI agents regarding MLK’s assassination and interactions with Walden and prison superintendent Berry.  
- **Senator Edward Kennedy**: Target of potential congressional assassination statute matters; sought by Moore for information about MLK’s case.  
- **Dr. Eugene V. Grace**: Retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant; discussed publication plans with Moore regarding MLK’s assassination.  
- **Terry D. Peters, Joseph M. Zimmermann**: FBI agents involved in Allen Ray Hall’s 1977 interview.  

Key Locations  
- **Temple, Texas**: Site of the alleged 1965 bar encounter where Moore was offered money to kill MLK.  
- **Puerto Rico (Roosevelt Roads Naval Base)**: Moore’s planned departure point in May 1976.  
- **Charleston, South Carolina**: Destination for Moore’s trip from Puerto Rico.  
- **Washington, D.C.**: Target of Moore’s intent to meet Senator Kennedy and other congressional figures.  
- **Central Prison, Raleigh, North Carolina**: Where Allen Ray Hall was incarcerated; site of interactions with prison officials.  
- **New Hanover County Jail (Wilmington, North Carolina)**: Site of Hall’s 1977 interview.  
- **Durham, North Carolina**: Location of Dr. Grace’s residence and publisher contacts.  

Key Events  
- **May 12–15, 1976**: Secret Service interviewed Otis Moore in Puerto Rico; he claimed knowledge of MLK’s assassination plot and intent to seek out Senator Kennedy and James Earl Ray.  
- **May 15, 1976**: FBI interviewed Moore at his residence, confirming his intent to pursue congressional figures for information about MLK’s assassination.  
- **February 1, 1977**: FBI agents Terry D. Peters and Joseph M. Zimmermann interviewed Allen Ray Hall at New Hanover County Jail in Wilmington, North Carolina; Hall discussed MLK’s assassination and interactions with Walden.  
- **February 4–14, 1977**: Allen Ray Hall, an inmate at Central Prison, Raleigh, North Carolina, alleged involvement with the Ku Klux Klan and claimed knowledge of MLK’s assassination, including interactions with FBI agents like Bill Walden.  
- **December 1, 1976**: Hall accused prison officials of threats, including razor blades in food, and alleged KKK involvement in his treatment.  
- **March 17, 1977**: Otis Moore contacted Dr. Eugene V. Grace regarding potential publication of a book on MLK’s assassination; Grace noted no plans as of that date.  
- **FD-479 File Destruction Order**: Case 44-1365 was preserved for a select committee investigating assassinations.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted interviews and investigations into Moore’s claims, Allen Ray Hall’s allegations, and case file preservation.  
- **Secret Service**: Interviewed Otis Moore in 1976 regarding potential assassination plots.  
- **U.S. Army**: Moore’s military service history, including deployments to Germany, Vietnam, and Thailand.  
- **Ku Klux Klan (KKK)**: Allegedly involved in prison officials’ treatment of Allen Ray Hall and potential ties to MLK’s assassination.  
- **United States Department of Justice**: Parent agency of the FBI; referenced in documents related to civil rights matters.  
- **Select Committee on Assassinations**: Implied as the entity requiring preservation of case files (case 44-1365).

MLK Declassified Files

44-ce-1365_738554_05-03-part_3_of_3.pdf

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