</s>4-556 (FIV), 11-20-73) SERIALS 3333 ONLY 44-H-089861 H. S. Department of Justice SERIALs 3333 ONLY (MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THI H-H089863) ENTIRE FILE REVIEWED FOR HISTORICAL DECLASSIFICATION FEDERAL BUREAU ATTENTION SECTION 34 SEPTI-1, 333-LUNY BEFORE CHANGING CLASSIFICAT OR PROCESSING ANY DOCUMENT SECT. 34 FROM THIS FILE FOR RELEASE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC CONTACT FOI/PA SECTION UNIT D, EXT. 5767. FBI/DOJ DO NOT DESTROY HISTORICIAL VALUE ALL INFORMATION CONTACT HISTorical VALUE HEREIN OR HINGLASSICATED DATE LONAL ARCHIVES USE CARE IN HANDLING THIS FILE Transfer-Call 3421 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document contains administrative records and investigative notes from the FBI and DOJ related to James Earl Ray’s fugitive status and alleged involvement in conspiracy charges tied to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. It includes details on efforts to locate Ray’s relatives, such as Jerry Raynes (father of Carol Pepper, sister of Ray), and associates like John Eugene GAWRON. The FD-265 form (Rev. 5:12:15) notes Ray’s status as a fugitive and his alleged conspiracy ties to MLK. Investigations involve toll call analysis, bank account inquiries, and background checks on individuals linked to Ray, including GAWRON’s military service, criminal history, and associations with Ray in Missouri and Illinois. The file also references A.F. Cook, Jr., and telephone booth activity in Los Angeles. Additional records detail GAWRON’s interactions with Albert Pepper, John Ray, and others in St. Louis, including alleged crimes like burglary and armed robbery. These materials include surveillance of Carol Pepper’s associations with the Grape Vine Tavern, phone records checks, and military discharge dates for Ray. The FBI conducted background investigations between April 18–24, 1968, focusing on informants, travel patterns, and employment histories of suspects.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray – Fugitive linked to conspiracy charges involving Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  
- Jerry Raynes – Father of Carol Pepper (sister of Ray), investigated for potential ties to Ray.  
- John Eugene GAWRON – Individual with a criminal history, including burglary and parole violations, associated with Ray.  
- Albert Pepper – Linked to St. Louis locations and interactions with GAWRON.  
- Carol Pepper – Sister of James Earl Ray, connected to the Grape Vine Tavern and investigated for uncooperative behavior.  
- Walter E. Nolan – Ex-convict alleged associate of Ray.  
- Ernest Sumpter Galt – Individual with military and employment records checked by investigators.  
- Eugene Gawrick – Informant associated with SAS Albert J. Rushing and Faint, providing information on suspects.  

Key Locations  
- Memphis, Tennessee – Origin of initial reports on Ray; referenced for motel visits and travel patterns.  
- St. Louis, Missouri – Central location for administrative activities, residences (e.g., 1809 South Lith Street), and interactions with law enforcement.  
- Hannibal, Missouri – Investigated as a potential residence for Jerry Raynes.  
- Chicago, Illinois – Mentioned in GAWRON’s criminal history and parole records.  
- Los Angeles, California – Reference to telephone booth activity linked to A.F. Cook, Jr.  
- Mississippi Avenue, Park Avenue, Union Station, Lafayette Street – St. Louis locations tied to GAWRON’s movements and associations.  
- Nashville, Tennessee – Noted as a birthplace reference for James Earl Ray.  
- Center, Missouri – Residence of Jerry Raynes (Ray’s father).  

Key Events  
- Investigation into James Earl Ray’s whereabouts and associations, including toll call analysis linking him to Missouri and Illinois locations.  
- Background checks on John Eugene GAWRON, including his military service, criminal record, and alleged involvement in burglaries with Ray.  
- Surveillance of Carol Pepper’s phone usage and tavern associations (e.g., Grape Vine Tavern).  
- FBI surveillance activities between April 18–24, 1968, focusing on informants, travel patterns, and employment histories of suspects.  
- Arrests and parole violations involving Albert Pepper, John Ray, and GAWRON.  
- References to military discharge dates for James Earl Ray (e.g., SN 163.63, General discharge 12/24/48).  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Conducted investigative activities, case management, and surveillance.  
- Department of Justice (DOJ) – Oversight of the investigation.  
- Veterans Administration (VA) – Provided medical and administrative records on GAWRON.  
- St. Louis Police Department – Involved in interactions with suspects like GAWRON and Albert Pepper.  
- Illinois State Penitentiary – Mentioned in GAWRON’s parole status and criminal history.  
- Missouri State Penitentiary – Referenced in the context of incarceration records.  
- Southern Bell Telephone Company – Involved in toll call investigations.  
- Manufacturers Bank, St. Louis – Linked to Ray’s associates’ financial activities.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_10-04-part_1_of_5.pdf

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