</s>FD-302 (Rev. 4:15-64) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION 1 Date 5/10/68 EDGAR JOHN PENDLETON, interviewed at the Orthopedic Hospital, 2400 South Flower, and formerly a resident of the St. Francis Hotel, 553 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, advised by the President of the Los Angeles Police Department. December 16, 1965, NK 59621, of RAY FERNANDEZELA, LAZAR, photo taken identical to the person PENDLEYTON knew as RAY SELMA (phonetic). PENDLETION advised that SESMA had stayed at his room in the St. Francis Hotel that had during the first part of 1968. PENDLTON advised that SSMA had had poor health and drank very hard work at the hospital, but he was not to stay at his home. Pendleton advised that he was about very first week at April. PENLTON stated that he had not seen SESM since that date. PENDLION advised that PENDLESION stated that this had not He also advised that sESMA was a drifter and wino. or apartment of him had that he never known SESNA was a driver and room other when he had that sesMA could find SESMAS to have a room advised when he was once suggested that they live in a other when ever he was (SESMA) could find them, PENDELTON was in the 1600 block of Serrano and thought that this place was that he would have to go to the impression that numerous heavy drinkers stayed there. PENDLESTON advised That SESAMA had mentioned about getting a job as a cook but further advised that SOSMA had never held a job while he knew him. PNDLETON advised what SESEMA had if he heard from SESHA he would immediately advise the FBI. 5/8/68 n at Los Angeles. California File # Los Angeles 44-1574 SA RICHARD H. ROSS, and SA DAVID H. PENNEDY, O/S/AS by Date dictated 5/10 /68 This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI, It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency, and it is its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. 43 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail an FBI investigation into potential associations of James Earl Ray with individuals and establishments in Los Angeles during 1967–1968. Interviews focused on verifying identities, employment histories, and connections to nightlife venues such as the St. Francis Hotel, Sultan Room, Vegas Club, Seventh Veil, Pat Club, and Rabbit’s Foot Club. Key figures included Edgar John Pendleton, Helena Vihaos (identified as Helena Vilahos), Melody Margaret O’Brien, Martin Edward Villaire, Harry Streem, Joe Peters, and Eric S. Galt. The FBI also investigated "The Local Swinger," a correspondence club in Downey, California, operated by Ann L. Meyers and James E. O’Dowd, which received requests from Galt for mailing lists of swingers. Photographs of Ray were reviewed by witnesses, though none confirmed his presence or interactions with the club members. The investigation included inquiries into mail forwarding services, hotel records, and bar patrons linked to Ray, including accounts at the St. Francis Hotel and Rabbit’s Foot Club.  

Key People  
- **Edgar John Pendleton**: Interviewed about Ray Fernandel (possibly a misspelling), noted as a drifter and alcoholic who stayed at the St. Francis Hotel.  
- **Helena Vihaos** (also identified as Helena Vilahos): Belly dancer at the Seventh Veil, denied knowing James Earl Ray.  
- **Melody Margaret O’Brien**: Topless dancer who claimed to have received anonymous phone calls and was associated with Martin Villaire.  
- **Martin Edward Villaire**: Roommate of Melody O’Brien, described a woman named Helen who worked at a bar with O’Brien.  
- **Harry Streem**: Owner of the Vegas Club, mentioned employment of Dana Raven (arrested) and Barbara Barra.  
- **Joe Peters**: Bartender at the Sultan Room, noted occasional presence of a woman named "Jerienna" frequented by Ray Fernandel.  
- **Ann L. Meyers** and **James E. O’Dowd**: Co-owners of "The Local Swinger," a correspondence club in Downey, California.  
- **Eric S. Galt**: Individual who requested swinger lists from "The Local Swinger" and paid $500 for five letters to be sent to coded names.  
- **Patricia Anderson**: Recipient of an obscene letter from Galt.  
- **Florence Thompson**: St. Francis Hotel occupant who reported seeing Ray in room 403.  
- **Norman Cox**: Hotel tenant who claimed Ray had ties to Martin Luther King Jr. during his stay.  
- **Murray Rosenman**: President of the St. Francis Hotel, denied recognizing Ray or the aliases Eric Starvo Galt/James Earl Ray.  

Key Locations  
- **St. Francis Hotel** (Los Angeles): Mentioned as a residence for Pendleton and a location where Helena Vihaos was linked to; rooms 403, 105, 416, etc.  
- **Sultan Room**: Part of the St. Francis Hotel, where interviews with staff occurred.  
- **Vegas Club** (5510 Hollywood Boulevard): Associated with Barbara Barra and Dana Raven.  
- **Seventh Veil** (780 Sunset Boulevard): Employed Helena Vihaos; referenced in multiple interviews.  
- **Pat Club** (1516 North Western Avenue): Mentioned as a venue where Barbara Barra was employed.  
- **Rabbit’s Foot Club** (Los Angeles): Linked to Ray via hotel records and bar patrons.  
- **Downey, California**: Headquarters of "The Local Swinger" correspondence club.  
- **1535 North Serrano Avenue** (Los Angeles): Address where Ray resided from November 1967 to January 1968.  

Key Events  
- FBI interviews with hotel staff, nightclub owners, and dancers to investigate potential ties between James Earl Ray and Los Angeles nightlife scenes.  
- Verification of employment histories for individuals like Helena Vihaos, Melody O’Brien, and Martin Villaire.  
- Investigation into anonymous phone calls received by Melody O’Brien and Martin Villaire, possibly linked to JER.  
- Documentation of alleged associations between Ray Fernandel (or similar names) and establishments frequented by JER.  
- Operation of "The Local Swinger" mailing list service from February 1968, including payment of $500 by Eric S. Galt for five letters to swingers.  
- FBI interviews with individuals who received correspondence from Galt or were linked to Ray, including Patricia Anderson and hotel guests.  
- Review of photographs of James Earl Ray by witnesses, including hotel staff and bar patrons, though none confirmed his presence.  
- Investigation into mail forwarding services and hotel records to track Ray’s movements, including his residence at 1535 North Serrano Avenue.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted interviews and gathered information on potential suspects and their connections to JER.  
- **Los Angeles Police Department**: Mentioned in context of investigations into anonymous phone calls and other activities.  
- **Post Office Department**: Referenced in a separate inquiry regarding "The Local Swinger" correspondence club linked to Eric S. Galt.  
- **St. Francis Hotel** (Los Angeles): Subject of multiple interviews and records related to Ray’s alleged stay.  
- **Rabbit’s Foot Club** (Los Angeles): Linked to Ray via hotel records and bar patrons.  
- **"The Local Swinger" correspondence club**: Operated in Downey, California, facilitating mailing lists of local swingers.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_12-03-part_2_of_4.pdf

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