</s>44-760 ITVOICE GORDON SOUND SYSTEM 113 W. HIGH ST ., - TELEPHONE 616-7281 JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI 66101 DATE OF ORDER 10/29/66 BOLD TO Prison Canteen DATE BIPPED Jafferson City, No. INVOICE No. 58133 YOUR ORDER No. 3899 TEHAS COMMERCIAL PRINTING OF. QUANTITY DESCRIPTION PRICE EXTENSION TOTAL SHIPPED GRANDED 24 #6502 ChannelMaster Radios 7.50 175.20 175,20 VIRGIN JUNIOR MA NOV @ 1986 RLS. RICKET NO. AYTEL A 89 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations into James Earl Ray’s activities at Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) during his incarceration from 1965 to 1968, focusing on inmate canteen operations, contraband distribution, and potential connections to criminal networks. Key findings include Ray’s purchase of a Channel Master Transistor Radio Model 6502 from the MSP canteen in April 1967, with serial numbers not maintained by the facility. The FBI sought links between Ray and groups like the "Coolkey Organization" but found no confirmed associations. Inmate testimonies referenced drug trafficking within the prison, including amphetamine sales and smuggling via guards, as well as alleged prison gangs such as the "COOLEY gang" and "Dago." One inmate claimed an organization within the prison wanted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. killed, though this assertion was not elaborated. Records also note Ray’s suspected escape in 1968 and his presumed death by 1969.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray (JER)**: Inmate at MSP associated with drug trafficking, smuggling operations, and alleged escape plans.  
- **Tom Roberts**: Inmate canteen employee involved in engraving radios using a "Vibro-Graver" device.  
- **Al Phason**: Inmate canteen employee engaged in radio engraving and contraband distribution.  
- **Gus Lyons**: Inmate canteen employee linked to radio engraving processes.  
- **Patrick Rackers**: Former inmate canteen supervisor in 1967.  
- **Earl Knight**: MSP inmate who denied knowledge of Ray or the "Coolkey Organization."  
- **Harold Swenson**: Warden of MSP, provided details on Ray’s financial records and interactions.  
- **Bernard J. Poirty**: MSP security official noted escape attempts and lack of gang-related information.  

Key Locations  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP)**: Central location for Ray’s incarceration, canteen operations, and inmate interactions.  
- **Jefferson City, Missouri**: Site of administrative offices and interviews related to prison activities.  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Linked to Menard family members and drug-related activities.  
- **New Orleans, Louisiana**: Mentioned in context of gambling, hotels, and potential connections to Ray’s movements.  

Key Events  
- **Sale and engraving of radios at MSP canteen**: Channel Master 6502 radios were sold for $9.75, with serial numbers not tracked by the facility.  
- **FBI investigation into Ray’s activities**: Focused on potential ties to criminal networks like the "Coolkey Organization" and prison gangs.  
- **Drug trafficking within MSP**: Inmates discussed smuggling amphetamines ("Bennies") and antephenamine hydrochloride via guards.  
- **Ray’s suspected escape in 1968**: Investigated through inmate testimonies and records, with some sources suggesting his death by 1969.  
- **Inmate claim about MLK assassination**: One prisoner alleged an organization within the prison wanted King killed, though no further details were provided.  

Key Organizations  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP)**: Central institution for inmate management, contraband control, and canteen operations.  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted investigations into Ray’s activities, prison gangs, and potential criminal networks.  
- **Drug trafficking clique**: Inmates involved in smuggling stimulants within and outside the prison system.  
- **Unconfirmed references to "Coolkey Organization" and prison gangs**: Mentioned but not substantiated in the records.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_17-01-part_3_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

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