</s>FD-36 (Rev. 2-14-74) FBI :. Date: 1/19/77 Transmit the following in Type in plaintext or code) POT6/FPD AIRTEL (Precedence) Vin (Preceedence) TO: DIRECTOR, FBI (144-38861) FRONT: SAC, NEW ORLEANS (157-106773) (RUC) MURKIN 00- Memphis Re New Orleans teletype to Memphis, 1/14/77. Enclosed for the Bureau are eight copies and for Memphis two copies of an LHM setting forth the results of an interview with JIMMIE WAYNE RAY on 1/11/77 at luling, Louisiana. Inasmuch as there is no outstanding investigation to be conducted as there are no outstanding investigations being considered reported by New Orleans, this case is being considered RUC. ST-105 2 Bureau (Enc. 8) CANDLOSURI 2-Memphis (Enc. 2) REC-2 44-385611-6177 1 - New Orleans SMC:ebc 3 JAN 1977 (5) Marlboro made available to OPR Trade Force Attorneys Josh Cross, Wann White, and Jimmie Kucchick, Jr. nancy a. Wirritt, Gross retuned after he requested no copy of 1/12/11.1/11, mode no further after he received a request for a copy of 0-70-6 0-7/8/6 H/N/1/2/9 Approved: Special Agent in Charge Sent M Per 84 FEB8 1977 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
This document contains FBI interview records from 1976–1977 involving Jimmie Wayne Ray of Luling, Louisiana, regarding his incarceration at the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners (MCFP) in Springfield, Missouri, from January to May 1967. During his imprisonment, Ray corresponded with William B. Simpson, an inmate at Salt Lake City federal prison, who discussed plans for a motel business in Elko, Nevada, and mentioned another inmate named Martinez. Ray denied any connection to James Earl Ray, the individual convicted of assassinating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and stated he had no contact with Martinez. The document also includes FBI administrative notes referencing unrelated investigations (e.g., Eugene V. Grace) and telecommunication records involving Puerto Rico. A separate report details Otis Moore’s claims that James Earl Ray confessed to assassinating Dr. King without evidence of conspiracy, while the FBI faced criticism for its surveillance practices. Another summary outlines Otis Humphrey Moore’s allegations of being offered $56,000 in 1965 to assassinate MLK during a bar incident in Temple, Texas, and his subsequent interviews with federal agencies in 1976. The DOJ task force reviewed FBI files on the assassination, including potential communist infiltration, and recommended destroying related records.  

Key People  
- **Jimmie Wayne Ray**: Interviewed in Luling, Louisiana; incarcerated at MCFP Springfield, Missouri (1967); corresponded with William B. Simpson.  
- **William B. Simpson**: Inmate at Salt Lake City federal prison; wrote letters to Ray about a motel business in Elko, Nevada, and mentioned inmate Martinez.  
- **James Earl Ray**: Convicted of assassinating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; identified by Otis Moore as the assassin.  
- **Otis Moore**: Claimed James Earl Ray confessed to MLK’s assassination; reported information to FBI and contacted Senators Frank Church and Edward Kennedy.  
- **Dr. Eugene V. Grace**: Eye surgeon in Durham, North Carolina; referenced in FBI administrative notes and planned publication of Moore’s claims.  
- **Lydia M. Moore**: Wife of Otis Humphrey Moore; noted his mental health issues and travel plans to Washington, D.C.  
- **Otis Humphrey Moore**: Alleged to have been offered $56,000 in 1965 to assassinate MLK; interviewed by FBI and Secret Service in 1976.  

Key Locations  
- **Medical Center for Federal Prisoners (MCFP), Springfield, Missouri**  
- **Salt Lake City, Utah** (Simpson’s incarceration)  
- **Elko, Nevada** (proposed motel business location)  
- **Luling, Louisiana** (Ray’s residence during interview)  
- **Memphis, Tennessee** (Site of MLK’s assassination; Ray’s address cited in correspondence)  
- **Durham, North Carolina** (Dr. Grace’s practice location; Moore’s planned travel destination)  
- **Washington, D.C.** (Target of Moore’s alleged trip to meet Congress)  
- **Puerto Rico** (Moore’s residence during interviews)  

Key Events  
- **Jimmie Wayne Ray’s incarceration at MCFP Springfield, Missouri**, 1967–1968.  
- **Correspondence between Ray and William B. Simpson** during Simpson’s imprisonment in Salt Lake City, Utah (1968).  
- **Simpson’s mention of inmate Martinez** and alleged provision of Ray’s contact information to Martinez.  
- **Ray’s denial of any connection to James Earl Ray**, the assassin of Dr. King.  
- **Otis Moore’s claims that James Earl Ray confessed to MLK’s assassination** without evidence of conspiracy; FBI criticized for surveillance practices.  
- **Otis Humphrey Moore’s alleged 1965 offer of $56,000 to assassinate MLK** during a bar incident in Temple, Texas.  
- **FBI interviews with Moore in 1976**, noting his mental instability and intent to contact Congress.  
- **DOJ task force review of FBI files on MLK’s assassination**, including communist infiltration claims; recommendation to destroy related records.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted interviews, managed investigations into MLK’s assassination, and faced internal critiques of surveillance practices.  
- **Department of Justice (DOJ)**: Oversaw task force reviews of FBI actions and recommended destruction of investigation files.  
- **United States Secret Service**: Interviewed Otis Humphrey Moore in 1976 regarding his claims.  
- **Senate Select Committee on Intelligence**: Mentioned in context of intelligence oversight and surveillance findings.  
- **Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR)**: Part of DOJ Task Force reviewing FBI actions.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_30-02-part_1_of_5.pdf

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