</s>June 4, 1968 Airtel To: SAC, Atlanta (44-2996) FROM: Director, FRI (44 -38861) PERSONAL ATTENTION HURKIS ReLaAirtel 3/23/85. According to referenced communication, the Intelligence Units of the Federal Reserve Bank is a form known been receiving from Federal Reserve Banks for a more known as TCH-1-report of the 3. Treasury Department have organizational Concerned from Federal Reserve Bank's Reports; Person or loan associations, or other Financial Transactions; Person of loan Associations, or further financial type institutions when a transaction lavolves in deposit, withdrawal or other loan institutions, or either financial type institution financial institutions, which involves the U.S. Currency in which $10,000 or more is handled. In this case, we will explore the fearability of obtaining this communication will also explore the feasibility of obtaining the information will explore it. It is very familiarity of obtaining Unit- within their division. It's very Sarvive that the labor- nation requested by the Bureau regarding withdrawable of $10, 000 or more from banks could be more readily obtained through the Internal Service. If any discussions causes at banks or other financial issues, the amount of these forms under any other completion and filing of these form under any circumstances. This information is for your intelligence only. 3 - Fimingham (44-(1740) 2 - Memphis (44)-1987) 3 - Los Angeles (45-(57-10673) 1 - Los Angeles (44-'1974) (for info) 44-15774-1232 SEARCHED-ANDEXED SEALIZED- 1cc made JUN-F-1668 for 92-2006 FBI-LOS ANGELES Greener 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations into potential connections between individuals and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968. Key figures include James Earl Ray, suspected in the murder, and Pernell Ezzell, a Florida resident linked to alleged threats against public figures. The Bureau conducted handwriting analysis, phone number verification, and interviews with witnesses to trace travel patterns, residences, and associations of suspects. An anonymous religious greeting card referencing non-existent Memphis addresses was examined. Investigations also involved tracking forged passports, rental car activities, and financial transactions related to potential conspirators. FBI Special Agents in Charge (SACs) coordinated efforts across Los Angeles, Memphis, and other locations to cross-reference leads, including inquiries into fugitives like William A. Marshall and their alleged ties to Ray.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Suspected of assassinating MLK Jr., referenced in passport investigations and rental car activities.  
- **Pernell Ezzell**: Florida resident reported carrying a gun, exhibiting erratic behavior, and allegedly involved in the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. King. His wife, Fay Ezzell, described his financial struggles and unstable condition.  
- **Diana Joyce & John P. Joyce**: Reported travel to Chicago with Marie Benning; Diana denied Memphis connections. John claimed he was in Los Angeles on April 4, 1968.  
- **Marie Benning**: Stated she accompanied John Joyce to Chicago and later resided at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco.  
- **Barice Wilson & Vera Mar Wilson**: Individuals linked to a December 17, 1967, phone call from Texas; claims of contact with "Eric Starvo Galt" (possibly Ray).  
- **William A. Marshall (alias Howard Mason Birrell)**: Fugitive allegedly tied to Ray; interviewed in San Mateo County Jail for potential connections.  
- **Dr. Herbert Collins**: Orlando physician who treated Ezzell for alcoholism, later denied employing him.  

Key Locations  
- **Los Angeles, California**: Central to FBI investigations, including interviews, phone number checks, and Bureau offices.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Focus of the assassination investigation; non-existent addresses like Columbus Avenue and Dutton Street were noted in an anonymous greeting card.  
- **San Francisco, California**: Involved in tracking fugitives and rental car activities linked to suspects.  
- **Orlando, Florida**: Ezzell’s residence; referenced in FBI file transfers and police notifications.  
- **Tampa, Florida**: FBI SAC office involved in file distribution.  
- **St. Francis Hotel (San Francisco)**: Mentioned as a residence for Marie Benning.  

Key Events  
- **Handwriting analysis (June 17, 1968)**: FBI concluded an anonymous note was written by George Robert Lesinger.  
- **Jack Lee’s remarks (July 7, 1968)**: Shell station employee made sarcastic comments about MLK’s assassination; denied involvement in the murder.  
- **Pernell Ezzell’s erratic behavior**: Reported gun possession, financial instability, and alleged CIA ties; FBI deemed him “armed and dangerous.”  
- **Phone call from Texas (December 17, 1967)**: Traced to BARICE WILSON in Los Angeles; conflicting accounts of caller’s location and purpose.  
- **FBI coordination**: SACs in Los Angeles, Memphis, and San Francisco cross-referenced leads on suspects like Ray, Marshall, and Ezzell.  
- **Rental car activities**: Investigated for potential connections to fugitives and assassination-related movements.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted primary investigations, coordinated with SACs, and reviewed records.  
- **Special Agent in Charge (SAC)**: Los Angeles, Memphis, and San Francisco offices involved in tracking leads and interviews.  
- **Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)**: Checked records for individuals like Willie James McGuiire and interviewed witnesses.  
- **Orange County Sheriff’s Office**: Notified of Ezzell’s activities; provided court case details on James Bay Ray.  
- **Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)**: Denied employing Pernell Ezzell despite claims of ties.  
- **Secret Service & U.S. Air Force installations**: Received FBI file transfers for investigative review.

MLK Declassified Files

44-la-1574_742142_004-05-part_4_of_5.pdf

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