</s>ME 44-1987 The FBI Laboratory reported that the hand- writing appearing on this coupon and letter was identical with the handwriting of JAMES EARL RAY, FBI 3405 942 advised that JAMES BARL RAT, FBI 4405 943 advised that one latent fingerprint of the value was developed one latent fingerprint of this latent finger- print is the coupon and that this latent fingerprint- print is JAMES RAT. FBI #405 942 942 9/28/67 print is a coupon and this patent finger- JAMES RALT, FBI #40312FPS FRIC JAMES GALT purchased Bank Draft 5 Points from JAMES ARAT, F405 943 942 South Branch Office, Birmingham, 5 Alabama, from Exchange Security, 5 Points dated September 28, 1967, payable to Superior Bulk Film Company, Chicago, Illinois, in 10/2/67 Bulk Films Company, 1968 Highland Avenue, Birmingham. Alabama, Alabama. 1-38993 for a 1966 Ford Mustang, WIN 670TC190647. The FBI Laboratories. GALT, 1968 1968 Alabama license 1-38993 for a 1965 Ford Mustang. VIN 670TC 190647. The FBI Laboratory concluded that the sig- nature of Eric S. Galt on the application for the Alabama license was prepared by the same individual who prepared other items under the same same attributed to ERIC 10/3/67 The Superior Bulk Film Company. 422-450 North Wells, Chicago. Illinois, received an order from ERIC S.GALT, 2608 Highland Avenue. Birmingham, Alabama, for one Kodak Super 8 Birmingham. Alabama. Alabama, one for one Kodiak Super 9 Model M9552, HPI Combination Spicer, and one of 20 foot remote control cable for a total price of $337.24. A bank Draft was 1967, a package was mailed to him via parcel post under invoice $1750. Since the Kodak Model M8 cameras was not in stock, a Crestline Super 8 camera was substituted. 13 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The text details FBI investigative findings and inmate accounts related to James Earl Ray’s activities during his incarceration at U.S. prisons between 1956 and 1968. Ray, described as a quiet, drug-using loner with ties to petty crimes, allegedly discussed plans to kill Martin Luther King Jr., referencing bounties on King’s head as motivation. Inmates noted his familiarity with Alabama, escape attempts, and associations with individuals like Johnny Valenti and Milton Zavaloski. Ray was linked to smuggling networks, cross-border activities (e.g., Brownsville-Texas to Mexico), and potential connections to organized crime. His movements post-release included alleged plans to relocate to Oregon or Canada. While no direct evidence of his involvement in MLK’s assassination is presented, forensic links to items like a Remington rifle and fingerprints found in Atlanta are highlighted as part of the broader investigation into Ray’s activities.  

Key People:  
- **James Earl Ray (JER)**: Central figure; described as a drug user, petty criminal, and alleged assassin of MLK.  
- **Carl Drake**: Inmate who worked with Ray and had knowledge of his plans.  
- **Thomas Britson**: Inmate who overheard Ray discuss killing King post-release.  
- **Johnny Valenti**: Linked to Ray’s smuggling and gambling activities.  
- **Milton Zavalos, Walter E. Nolan**: Identified as associates or individuals connected to Ray’s criminal network.  

Key Locations:  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary**: Primary prison where Ray was incarcerated; site of inmate interactions and escape planning.  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Ray’s familiarity with the area and its newspaper (Post-Herald).  
- **Mexico**: Mentioned as a potential hiding place for Ray; referenced in smuggling discussions.  
- **Canada**: Suggested as an escape destination.  
- **Oregon**: Associated with Ray’s interest in sawmill work and relocation plans.  

Key Events:  
- **Ray’s alleged statements about killing MLK**: Inmates reported he expressed intent to assassinate King, citing bounties on his head.  
- **Escape attempts by Ray**: Multiple inmates noted his repeated efforts to escape prison, including tunneling and planning with associates.  
- **Prison-related crimes**: Ray was linked to burglary, smuggling, and drug trafficking within correctional facilities.  
- **Associations with criminal networks**: Implied through Ray’s ties to individuals involved in cross-border smuggling and organized crime.  

Key Organizations:  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary**: Central location for Ray’s incarceration and inmate interactions.  
- **Smuggling networks**: Implied through Ray’s alleged connections to cross-border operations (e.g., Brownsville-Texas to Mexico).  
- **Businessmen’s Association**: Mentioned as an entity offering a bounty for King’s assassination, though Ray’s knowledge of the group is unclear.

MLK Declassified Files

44-dl-2649_sec_004_ser_551-660-part_4_of_9.pdf

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