</s>PD 157-183 ME 44-1987 RES:jms 1 CONTACTS WITH NARCOTIC INVESTIGATIVE AGENCIES In accordance with Bureau instructions on April 22, 1968, a supply of the most recent wanted flyers was shown to the following who the most wanted flyers were shown to them RAY: BILL W. FREEMAN, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, U ., S. Courthouse, Portland, Oregon. Lt. JACK STRUDGEON, Narcotics Bureau, Portland Police Department, Portland, Oregon, No leads have been received from the above sources to date. 26- 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The documents detail FBI investigations into potential suspects linked to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on leads from April 1968. Arthur Brown of Crescent City, California, reported a man resembling James Earl Ray at Glenn's Bakery, though he could not confirm the vehicle or exact details. James Allen Johnston was identified as a suspect due to his physical description matching Ray but later eliminated after being confirmed as a different individual. Leonard in Eugene, Oregon, overheard two men discussing Luther King Jr., with one stating they would "do it," referencing an assassination plot. Other suspects included Chester John Lis (eliminated), Donald Churchill (eliminated), and individuals like John Kelly and John Williard, though no conclusive links to the crime were established. The FBI also investigated passport records, narcotics agencies, and travel routes, including potential connections to Rogue River, Oregon, where Ray may have been associated with logging activities.  

Key People:  
- **Arthur Brown** (Crescent City, California): Reported a suspect resembling James Earl Ray at Glenn's Bakery.  
- **James Allen Johnston**: Suspected due to physical description but later identified as a different individual.  
- **Leonard** (Eugene, Oregon): Overheard two men discussing Luther King Jr., with one stating they would "do it."  
- **Chester John Lis**: Eliminated after FBI records confirmed he was not Ray.  
- **Donald Churchill**: Eliminated after investigation into his movements and mental state.  
- **John Kelly** (Tennessee): Suspected by Georgia Hardy for potential involvement in the assassination.  
- **John Williard**: A former student linked to embezzlement, reported as a suspect by Mrs. Cockell.  

Key Locations:  
- **Crescent City, California**: Site of Arthur Brown's sighting.  
- **Eugene, Oregon**: Where Leonard overheard the conversation about King.  
- **Portland, Oregon**: Home to suspects like James Allen Johnston and Chester John Lis; also a hub for FBI investigations.  
- **Rogue River, Oregon**: Mentioned in connection with Ray’s potential logging activities.  

Key Events:  
- **April 1968**: FBI initiated passport checks and contacted agencies for leads on James Earl Ray.  
- **April 23, 1968**: Kansas City Office received information from Jack Fox Lampiere about Ray’s alleged association with Rogue River.  
- **April 5–10, 1968**: Suspects like John Kelly and John Williard were reported to the FBI by informants.  
- **April 12, 1968**: Donald Churchill was eliminated after investigation into his movements and mental state.  

Key Organizations:  
- **FBI**: Conducted passport checks, contacted narcotics agencies, and investigated suspects.  
- **Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)**: Collaborated with FBI on passport records.  
- **Portland Police Department**: Provided information to the FBI through narcotics bureau contacts.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_14-03-part_3_of_4.pdf

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