</s>FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION 4. T. D.L.O.P.E.M. Molch- B.B.H. B.A. M.Bish-p APR13 1968 1. Bish-P M. B.H .- M. F.C. M.F.Fel TELETYPEOP M.R. R. M. Rolle M. Sallin- PBI WASH DC Mr. Roeben- Mr. Trotter- Mr. Trower- PBI BIRMGHAM M. Hol- M. Ho- Kim Gandy- 54/M URGENT 4-13-68 SSP M.M DIRECTOR, FBI, LOS ANGELES, MEMPHIS AND NEW ORLEANS, ALBANY FRON BIRMINGHAM (444-1740) MURKIN. PR. 00: MEMPHITS INVESTIGATIO AT CONTINENTAL DANCE STUDIO, BIRIMGHAM, ALABAMA, DISCLOSED SUSPECT ERIC GALT USES PERSONAL ADS SELECTING DANCE STUDIOS, OWNER, CONTINENTIAL DANCE STUDIO, ADVISED GALT e EXTREMEELY "CRAZY" ABOUT DANCING AND WOULD FOURLD FOUREENTAL DOANCE STUDIES WHERE LESSONS WOULD BE VERY INEXPENSIVE. OWNER. OTHER, CONTINIENTAL DANCEDANCE STUDIDS, IS OF OPINION GALT WOULD FREQUENT CHEAP DANCE STORIES TO OTAIN DANCE INSTRUCTIONS. ALBANY, NEW ORLANS AND LOS ANGELS, IF NOT ALREADY DONE, WILL CONTACT DANCESTUDIES WHERE DANCE LESSONS CAN BE OBTAINED AT VERY LOW COST. EX-115 44-38861-6841 REED-55-5.5.0.1.0-0.0L0-1.1-0-4.0 AFR 15 1968 END. SVV FBI WASH DO 6 2APR19 1968 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O . 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations into individuals and activities linked to potential criminal networks during April 1968, with specific focus on Eric Starvo Galt, a suspect connected to Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. Galt’s movements were tracked via flight records from Eastern Airlines, including possible travel to Atlanta and Washington D.C., while his associations with Sue Harris (prostitute in Los Angeles) and Ginger Nance were explored. Harris reported Galt’s potential residence near the St. Francis Hotel and ownership of a light-colored Volkswagen camper. The FBI obtained photos of Harris, Thomas Martin, and Ginger Nance for further inquiry. A separate report referenced Warren Galt (likely a relative), noting his family history and employment in St. Louis, Missouri, with no direct ties to the primary suspect.  

The investigation also included coded telegrams and communications from April 13–15, 1968, referencing Donald Churchill’s surveillance in Washington, D.C., inquiries into textile marking machines linked to Poly-Mark and Textile Marking Machine Company (Syracuse, NY), and tracking of phone calls between New Orleans and Los Angeles. Joseph Mitchell Mahner (alias "Duke") in Birmingham, Alabama, was connected to William Eugene Sides and Tommy Ellis Pikes via car ring operations in Huntsville, Alabama. The Textile Marking Machine Company’s records were noted as destroyed prior to 1972.  

A third summary referenced an anonymous letter postmarked Clarkville, Tennessee, alleging Edward Corst as MLK Jr.’s slayer, though this was marked unverified. Other entries included John Wilkerson (linked to Kansas City, Missouri), Mrs. A.E. Galt (also known as Mrs. Velsey I. Galt), Frank Gurney (observed in Jacksonville, Florida with a dark brown attaché case), and Richard J. Brand (New York, New York). Administrative notes highlighted teletype communications, investigative leads, and redactions for sensitive data such as social security numbers.  

Key People  
- Eric Starvo Galt (suspect linked to MLK Jr.’s assassination; connected to dance studios, Sue Harris, Ginger Nance)  
- Sue Harris (prostitute in Los Angeles; customer book since 1967; reported Galt’s possible residence near St. Francis Hotel)  
- Warren Galt (relative of Eric Starvo Galt; family and employment history in St. Louis, Missouri)  
- Donald Churchill (surveilled in Washington, D.C.)  
- Joseph Mitchell Mahner (alias "Duke"; connected to car ring operations in Huntsville, Alabama)  
- William Eugene Sides  
- Tommy Ellis Pikes  
- Edward Corst (alleged slayer of MLK Jr., per anonymous letter)  
- John Wilkerson (linked to Kansas City, Missouri)  
- Frank Gurney (observed in Jacksonville, Florida; dark brown attaché case)  
- Richard J. Brand (New York, New York; license plate and car details noted)  

Key Locations  
- Birmingham, Alabama (Continental Dance Studio, Eric Starvo Galt’s investigation focus)  
- Los Angeles, California (Sue Harris’s prostitution activity, St. Francis Hotel area)  
- Atlanta, Georgia (flight tracking of Galt via Eastern Airlines)  
- Washington D.C. (Galt’s potential travel destination; Donald Churchill’s surveillance)  
- Syracuse, New York (Textile Marking Machine Company)  
- Huntsville, Alabama (car ring operations linked to Joseph Mitchell Mahner)  
- Kansas City, Missouri (John Wilkerson’s residences)  
- Jacksonville, Florida (Frank Gurney’s observation)  
- Clarkville, Tennessee (anonymous letter postmark)  

Key Events  
- FBI investigation into Eric Starvo Galt’s activities in Birmingham, Alabama, including dance studio associations and travel tracking.  
- Surveillance of Donald Churchill in Washington, D.C., and inquiries into textile marking machines linked to Poly-Mark.  
- Tracking of phone calls from New Orleans to Los Angeles (April 15, 1968).  
- Examination of Joseph Mitchell Mahner’s connections to car ring operations in Huntsville, Alabama.  
- Review of an anonymous letter alleging Edward Corst as MLK Jr.’s slayer.  
- Investigation into John Wilkerson’s residences and movements (February 1963–April 1968).  
- Surveillance of Frank Gurney in Jacksonville, Florida, including his vehicle and behavior.  
- Examination of Richard J. Brand’s license plate, car details, and insurance records.  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – central coordinating agency for the investigation.  
- U.S. Department of Justice – administrative context for FBI operations.  
- Textile Marking Machine Company (Syracuse, NY)  
- Poly-Mark (manufacturer of thermo-seal machines)  
- SBT & T Company (security services)  
- Retail Credit Co.  
- Allied Building Credits Corp.  
- Allstate Insurance Company  
- New York City Department of Sanitation

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_02-03-part_5_of_9.pdf

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