</s>FD-3x ... 2-14-74) FBI Date: 4/22/76 Transmit the following in (Type in plaintext or code) Vin AIRTEL (Precedence) TO: DIRECTOR, FBI (44-38861) (ATN: FOLDA (44)-3886) RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION (SA THOMAS WISEMAN) RECOROS MANAGENCY (44 -1609) ADIC, NEW YORK (44–1609] NO SUBJECT: HURKIN: HAROLINEISBERG VIA U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE U.S ., D ., C ., S ., E ., G ., Civil ACTION No. 75-1996 Editorial Services, Time Inc ., RICHARD M. SEASON, Director OF New York, New York, Mr. R. RICHARDSON, 1,271 Avenue of the Americas, New York. On June 20, 1972, Telephone Number 212-556-4587, advised the New York 10020, telephone number to said 107 photo- graphs of the assassination scene of MARTIN LUTHER KING taken by Photographer JOSEPH LOWW, and made available to the FBI by 4/18/68, being viewed on request under the FOLI, but would object (68), being viewed and requested under or copies being made. the photos and/or request that any request for copies of the photos are requested from FBI files, should be directed to him personally at the above address. 44-38861-6114X EX-116 REC-83 Bureau 1- New York JCS:km (4) Approved 51 SUN 281976agent in Charge Sent M Per 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

The document details an FBI investigation into the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on James Earl Ray’s prison activities in Missouri and discrepancies in accounts by Leon Owen Powell and his brother Claude Powell, Jr., regarding a meeting with an unidentified individual (Ralph/LNU) at Pete’s Bar in Atlanta. The investigation includes polygraph exams, interviews with family members, employment records, and reviews of bar ownership details. Key findings include inconclusive polygraph results, conflicting timelines for the alleged meeting (October 1967 vs. March 1968), and claims by Powell’s wife that the story was fabricated. The FBI notes no further action unless directed by the Department of Justice. A separate section discusses Arnold Ray Godfrey and his brother Lee Carroll Godfrey, their military records, and potential associations with Ralph Setzer (phonetic) at the Office Bar in Atlanta. Military records indicate Arnold Ray Godfrey enlisted in the Georgia National Guard from January 9, 1951, to 1954 as a Corporal with an honorable discharge. Individuals who knew Godfrey described him as non-violent but with racial prejudices. The investigation into Ralph Setzer’s identity found discrepancies in directory listings and failed identifications. Distance assessments between Pete’s Bar, James Earl Ray’s stay location, and the car’s position in Atlanta were noted, though no conclusive links to the assassination plot were established.  

Key People  
- **Leon Owen Powell**: Claimed to have met Ralph (LNU) at Pete’s Bar in 1967; polygraph results inconclusive; later recanted details about the bar and timeline.  
- **Claude Powell, Jr.**: Suggested the meeting occurred three to four weeks before King’s assassination (March 1968); stated he would not recognize Ralph (LNU).  
- **Arnold Ray Godfrey**: Brother of Lee Carroll Godfrey; served in the Georgia National Guard from 1951–1954 with an honorable discharge.  
- **Lee Carroll Godfrey**: Provided details about playing music at the Office Bar with Ralph Setzer (phonetic); no confirmation of Setzer’s identity found.  
- **Ralph Setzer (phonetic)**: Individual allegedly associated with Arnold Ray Godfrey and Lee Carroll Godfrey at the Office Bar; identity could not be confirmed.  
- **Annie Lois Compos** (Leon’s wife): Alleged the story was fabricated by her husband and his brother, citing their alcoholism.  
- **Wendell Sutton Powell** (brother): Stated Claude had no capacity to assassinate King due to intoxication.  

Key Locations  
- **Pete’s Bar** (later Bill Bailey’s Lounge): Alleged meeting site for the Powells and Ralph (LNU); disputed ownership details; Pete Davis, claimed bar owner, died in 1975 and was not associated with the bar during the alleged incident.  
- **Atlanta**: Site of the alleged meeting between the Powells and Ralph (LNU), as well as the Office Bar where Arnold Ray Godfrey and Lee Carroll Godfrey allegedly played music with Ralph Setzer (phonetic).  
- **Marietta, Georgia**: Residence of Lavanne Cook (phonetic), a divorced individual linked to Ralph Setzer in some accounts.  

Key Events  
- **Investigation into James Earl Ray’s prison activities**: The State of Missouri Department of Social Services provided records for review regarding Ray’s confinement in 1968.  
- **Discrepancies in Powell accounts**: Conflicting timelines (October 1967 vs. March 1968) and descriptions of Ralph (LNU).  
- **Polygraph examinations**: Both Leon and Claude underwent polygraphs; results inconclusive, with Leon reporting breathing difficulties and nervousness.  
- **Family interviews**: Suggested the Powell brothers fabricated their accounts, citing alcoholism and lack of capacity for such actions.  
- **Employment records**: Arnold Ray Godfrey’s employment history in Atlanta (1968) and vehicle ownership details were reviewed but yielded no definitive links to the assassination plot.  
- **Investigation into Ralph Setzer (phonetic)**: Discrepancies in directory listings for individuals named Ralph or R. Smith; no listing found for Ralph Setzer.  
- **Distance assessments**: Approximate distances between Pete’s Bar, James Earl Ray’s stay location, and the car’s position in Atlanta were noted.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted interviews, polygraphs, and reviews of records.  
- **State of Missouri Department of Social Services**: Provided materials for review regarding James Earl Ray’s prison activities.  
- **Criminal Records Division (CRD)**: Requested employment and travel records to verify Godfrey’s whereabouts in 1968.  
- **Georgia National Guard**: Arnold Ray Godfrey’s military unit from 1951–1954.  
- **Lowry Music, Inc.**: Mentioned as an entity with directory listings for individuals named Ralph or R. Smith.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_29-02-part_3_of_3.pdf

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