</s>SI 44-561 The Laboratory is requested to return submitted items upon completion of requested action. - 3- 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The documents detail FBI investigative activities from 1967 to 1969 involving a bank robbery in Alton, Illinois (July 13, 1967), which led to inquiries into laundry marks and dry cleaning symbols. Subsequent communications between FBI offices in Indianapolis, Memphis, and Springfield focus on tracking individuals with potential ties to the Martin Luther King Jr. assassination investigation. Key figures include Robert Stadler (Brownsburg, Indiana) and Robert Strader (Indiana), who allegedly discussed MLK's killing, claimed involvement in a missing plane case, and interacted with FBI agents. Strader reportedly made recordings about the assassination and sought financial compensation for sharing information. The documents also reference James Earl Ray, Michaelson (a prisoner at Terre Haute, Indiana), and legal proceedings involving mental health evaluations and potential federal charges.  

Key People:  
- **Robert Stadler**: Brownsburg, Indiana; contacted FBI in 1968 about a missing plane case, allegedly discussed MLK's assassination.  
- **Robert Strader**: Indiana; interacted with FBI agents, claimed to have information on MLK’s killing, allegedly sold the story to Chicago Daily News for $2.5 million, and made recordings about the assassination.  
- **James Earl Ray**: Implied in investigations related to MLK’s assassination; referenced alongside Michaelson at Terre Haute Penitentiary.  
- **Michaelson (Fred Alexander Michelson)**: Incarcerated in Missouri and Indiana; claimed psychic abilities, discussed aircraft disasters, and sought to share information about MLK’s assassination.  
- **Donald Folley**: Attorney representing Strader; involved in legal matters related to the FBI and media contracts.  
- **Paul Howard**: Bloomington, Illinois; allegedly facilitated Strader’s contact with journalists and provided details on his alleged involvement in the assassination.  

Key Locations:  
- **Alton, Illinois** (1967 bank robbery).  
- **Bloomington, Illinois** (Howard’s temporary residence).  
- **Lafayette, Indiana** (Strader allegedly discussed selling information to Chicago Daily News).  
- **Terre Haute, Indiana** (Michaelson’s incarceration; FBI interview location).  
- **Indianapolis, Indiana** (FBI offices and VA hospital visits).  
- **Kansas City, Missouri** (Michaelson’s legal proceedings and incarceration).  

Key Events:  
- **1967 Bank Robbery**: Alton, Illinois; led to laundry/dry cleaning symbol inquiries.  
- **Strader’s Alleged Involvement**: Discussions with FBI agents about MLK’s assassination, recordings, and financial compensation claims.  
- **Michaelson’s Legal History**: Incarceration in Missouri/Indiana, claims of psychic abilities, and potential ties to the assassination investigation.  
- **FBI Investigations**: Tracking individuals (Stadler, Strader, Michaelson) with alleged connections to MLK’s assassination, including mental health evaluations and legal proceedings.  
- **Media Contracts**: Strader allegedly sought to sell information about MLK’s killing to Chicago Daily News.  

Key Organizations:  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted investigations across multiple offices (Indianapolis, Memphis, Springfield).  
- **U.S. Penitentiary, Terre Haute, Indiana**: Michaelson’s incarceration and FBI interview location.  
- **Chicago Daily News**: Mentioned as a potential recipient of information about MLK’s assassination.  
- **U.S. District Court, Kansas City, KS**: Legal proceedings involving Michaelson’s federal charges.

MLK Declassified Files

44-ip-563_404058_167-03-part_3_of_8.pdf

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