</s>M. Tolomn. Mr. Deloach Mr. Bishop. Mr. Caspian Mr. Bishops U.S. DEPARTMENT OF INVESTIGATION Mr. Campbell M. Cappellan U. S. DEPARENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATION SECTION Mr. Connall Mr. Galle FBI WASH DC JUNI 4 1968 Mr. Solly Mr. Sullivan Mr. Stolling Mr. Solley TELETYPE Mr. Salley Mr. Sulley Mr. Scott Mr. Holman FBI SPRINGFLD Miss Candy 4422PM URGENT 6-14-68 DMJ Miss Holman TO DIRECTOR, FBI (44-44-38861) Miss Candy FROM SPRINGFIELD (44+56L) (PP.2) Mr.Stolton MURKIN RE SPRINGFIELD TELETYPOE TO BUREAU JUNE THIRTEEN, LAST. WILLIAM MAHER, ALTON, SUBJECT'S UNCLE, REITERATED HE HAS NOT HAD ANY DIRECT WORD FROM SUBJECT FOR TEN YEARS; THAT HE DOES NOT FEEL SUBJECT CAME TO ALTON SUBSEQUENT TO ESCAPE FROM MSP BECAUSE HE STATES HE WOULD HAVE KNOWN SUBJECT 'S PRESENCE IN ALTON. DEPUTY DEMOS NICHOLAS, MADISON COUNTY SO,, EDWARDSVILLE, ADVISED THAT DEMOS NORIGALS, TRICITY AREA, MADION CITY, OF GRANITE CITY, MADISON AND VENICE, ILLINOIS UNABLE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION CONTACTS OF SUBJECT IN THAT AREA; THAT THERE IS NO INDICATION TO MADE-4489 OF SUBJECTS IN THAT ARENA; APRILING JULY NINETEEN SIXTYSEVEN. PHOTOS OF RAY AND ASSOCIATES SHOWN TO VICTIM BANKS IN VICINITY ALTON WITHOUT EFFECIING A TENTIFICATION. 18 JUN 17 1968 END PAGE ONE DAMARO 2110 HEDPY IMAGE 2.1/2/3/4/4L/2L/L/ZL/A VEICELAND 79 JUN 24 1968 00-Loy 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents consist of FBI telegraphic communications and investigative records from June 1968 detailing efforts to track James Earl Ray’s movements post-escape from prison, verify witness accounts, and explore potential connections to organized groups. Key elements include Paul Bridgeman’s claim of seeing Ray in Kansas City, Missouri, three weeks after his release, with descriptions of Ray as a white male with sandy hair working for his father in construction. The FBI sought confirmation through local law enforcement and liquor control boards in Kansas City, finding no records matching Beverly Hill or other named individuals. References to Joyce, described as a "little-red-headed girl," and ongoing investigations into Ray’s alleged ties to others were noted. Additional communications from June 15–17, 1968, reference John Larry Ray (MLK’s brother) planning a passport application for travel to London, his criminal record, and a phone call from North Carolina alleging James Earl Ray sought funds while threatening exposure. Fred Schwartz, under FBI surveillance, is detailed with traffic violations, petty theft, and ties to legal firms in Los Angeles. A separate inquiry in Lenoir, North Carolina, tracks individuals linked to the United Klans of America (UKA), including Robert Franklin Sanders’ alleged fraud and theft activities, though no direct connection to MLK’s assassination is stated. Administrative notes reference FBI procedures for passport applications, extradition hearings, and inter-agency communications.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray (accused of assassinating MLK)  
- Paul Bridgeman (witness claiming to have seen Ray in Kansas City)  
- Beverly Hill (name associated with Ray in some reports)  
- Joyce (allegedly linked to Ray’s activities, described as a "little-red-headed girl")  
- John Larry Ray (MLK’s brother; planned passport application for London)  
- Carol Pepper (John Larry Ray’s sister)  
- Fred Schwartz (individual under FBI surveillance)  
- Fred D. Schwartz (Fred Schwartz’s father)  
- Percy Foreman (Houston lawyer referenced in passport context)  
- Paul Ellison Sanders, Samuel Jerry Sanders, Robert Franklin Sanders, Leonard Andrews (deputy sheriff), Curtis L. Woodard (postal inspector)  

Key Locations  
- Kansas City, Missouri (Bridgeman’s sighting of Ray)  
- Memphis, Tennessee (contextual reference to MLK’s assassination and investigations)  
- St. Louis, Missouri (administrative notes)  
- Toronto, Canada (telephone records inquiry)  
- London, England (destination for John Larry Ray’s potential travel)  
- Alton, Illinois (John Larry Ray’s birthplace)  
- Pendleton, Indiana (state reformatory where John Larry Ray served time)  
- Menard, Illinois (state penitentiary where John Larry Ray served time)  
- Los Angeles, California (Fred Schwartz’s legal and financial records)  
- Lenoir, North Carolina (UKA inquiry and phone number tracking)  
- Salt Lake City, Utah (administrative reference)  
- Caldwell County, North Carolina (criminal activity references)  
- Washington State (fraudulent money order case involving Robert Franklin Sanders)  

Key Events  
- Paul Bridgeman’s interview regarding his sighting of James Earl Ray in Kansas City after Ray’s escape from prison  
- FBI verification efforts through local law enforcement and liquor control boards in Kansas City  
- John Larry Ray’s planned passport application for travel to London, with administrative notes on extradition hearings  
- Phone call from North Carolina referencing James Earl Ray’s alleged financial requests and threats  
- FBI surveillance of Fred Schwartz, including his criminal history and ties to legal firms in Los Angeles  
- Inquiry into potential United Klans of America (UKA) connections through phone number tracking in Lenoir, North Carolina  
- Verification by deputy sheriff Leonard Andrews regarding the absence of Robert Franklin Sanders in Lenoir, North Carolina  
- Reference to fraudulent money orders issued by Robert Franklin Sanders in Washington State  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- U.S. Department of Justice  
- Local law enforcement agencies (e.g., Kansas City Police Department, Memphis Police Department, Los Angeles Police Department)  
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP; mentioned in telephone records inquiry)  
- British authorities (via London Legat)  
- California State Bar (Fred Schwartz’s legal background)  
- Southern Bell Telephone Co.  
- United Klans of America (UKA)

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_17-02-part_6_of_7.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search