</s>FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-64) FBI Date: 4/26/68 Transmit the following in (Type in plannext or code) TELETYPE DEFERRED Via (Priority) TO: DIRECTOR (44-38861) ATLANTA, BremnGHAN FROM: MEMPHIS (44)-3886) ATLANTIA, BEMINGHAN MURKIN. REFERENCE IS MADE TO LOS ANGELES TEL TO THE BUREAU SIX THIRTY FOUR P.M. APRIL TWENTY TWO LAST AND CHICAGO TELEPHONE CALL TO MEMPHIS THAT DATE REGARDING CIRCULARIZATION OF KNOWN LAUNDRY MARKS BY AMERICAN LAUNDRYING DIGEST AND AMERICAN DRY CLEANER DIGES WHICH COMPANIES HAVE HEADQUARTERS AT CHICACO. MEMPHS AGREES THAT SUBJECT RAY MAY HAVE IN HIS POSSESSION CLOTHES BEARING THESE LAUNDY MARKES AND RECOMMES SUCH CIRCULARISATION. MEMPHIES HAS PREVIOUSLY REQUESTED ALL OFFICES TO DISCONTINUE CANVASS OF LAUNDLIES FOR ADDITIONAL OFFICES MARK INFORMATION. IN VIEW OF THE NEWS MEDIA'S PROPENSITY FOR EXPANDING ON TRIVIA AND SINCE NEWS MEDIAS MAY HAVE LEARNED OF THE FOLLOWING INCIDENT, THIS INFORMATION IS SIXTY SET FORTH: DURING FEBRUARY NINETEEN SING EIGHT, MR. HENRY O'NEILL AND MR. ROBERT ROULSTON/BOTH EMPLOYEES OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, WERE ATTENDING AAL CONFERENCE AT TULSA, OKLAHOMA. A DISCUSSION OF THE RACIAL SITUATION TOOK PLACE, AND MR. O'Neill BENICATED JCH:LF JWAL25 44-1947-782 (11) J.C.L.F.F Refenen 13.5M.23 Approved: Special Agent in Charge Sent 1.9T L.6.9M Per: 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations into James Earl Ray’s movements and alleged connections to Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, spanning multiple locations and time periods. Key elements include analysis of telephone calls from the St. Francis Hotel in Los Angeles (1967–1968), where Ray resided, with scrutiny of toll numbers linked to his activities. A package containing Japanese handcuffs and a police equipment catalog was sent to Eric S. Galt in LA, with the sender identified as International Police Equipment Company. The company owner claimed the cuffs were stocked briefly and not advertised regularly.  

Ray’s financial records, including a car rental account and social security number (redacted), are examined. FBI efforts to locate William Earnest Harper, who shared a room with Billy Joe Falkner during Ray’s stay in Atlanta, continue. Falkner’s presence in Atlanta during the period is under review. The investigation also explores Ray’s potential drug activities in Atlanta and links to racial informants suggesting threats against King.  

In St. Louis, John Larry, Ray’s brother, was re-interviewed but denied contact with Ray. Financial records show Ray executed a chattel mortgage for a beer cooler with Carol as co-signer. The FBI tracks calls made by Rita Stein, linked to Ray, including her phone number and custody of children. A 1967 arrest record for Stein in LA is noted.  

Other individuals mentioned include Dwayne Gilbert (convicted of stealing dynamite), Willard (son of George Willard), William Howard Jamison (arson conviction), and Dennis, a woman associated with Ray at the St. Francis Hotel, identified as an addict with a criminal record. The FBI considers her potential connection to Ray’s activities.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Suspected assassin of MLK; investigated for movements in LA, Atlanta, and St. Louis; financial records examined.  
- **Eric S. Galt**: Recipient of a package containing Japanese handcuffs and police equipment catalog.  
- **William Earnest Harper**: Roommate of Billy Joe Falkner during Ray’s stay in Atlanta.  
- **Billy Joe Falkner**: Suspected presence in Atlanta during Ray’s stay; under review for potential connections.  
- **Rita Stein**: Linked to Ray via phone calls and custody issues; arrest record noted in LA.  
- **Carmen Rubio**: Grandmother of Rita Stein’s children.  
- **Dwayne Gilbert**: Convicted of stealing dynamite; mentioned in connection with Ray.  
- **William Howard Jamison**: Arson conviction; linked to Ray’s activities.  
- **Dennis**: Woman associated with Ray at St. Francis Hotel; identified as an addict with a criminal record.  

Key Locations  
- **Los Angeles (St. Francis Hotel, Hollywood, Beverly Hills)**: Center of Ray’s alleged activities and telephone surveillance.  
- **Atlanta**: Post office, hotels, car rental records examined for Ray’s movements.  
- **St. Louis**: FBI offices; John Larry re-interviewed regarding Ray’s contact.  
- **New Orleans**: Rita Stein’s connections and phone calls tracked.  
- **Columbus, Georgia**: William Earnest Harper’s residence.  

Key Events  
- **Analysis of telephone calls from St. Francis Hotel (1967–1968)**: Scrutiny of toll numbers linked to Ray’s activities.  
- **Investigation into Japanese handcuffs sent to Eric S. Galt**: Company owner claims cuffs were stocked briefly and not advertised regularly.  
- **Review of Ray’s financial records and employment history**: Includes car rental account and [SSN REDACTED].  
- **Examination of Rita Stein’s arrest record and custody issues**: 1967 LA arrest noted.  
- **Tracking Dwayne Gilbert’s criminal past**: Convicted of stealing dynamite; potential links to Ray explored.  
- **Identification of Dennis as a former employee in Beverly Hills**: Criminal record and connection to Ray’s activities considered.  

Key Organizations  
- **FBI**: Coordinating investigations across multiple cities (Los Angeles, Memphis, St. Louis, San Antonio).  
- **Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)**: Involved in tracking suspects and financial records.  
- **California Criminal Identification and Investigation Bureau**: Part of LAPD’s investigative efforts.  
- **Probation departments (Los Angeles County)**: Mentioned in context of Ray’s financial and criminal history.

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_63a-03-part_1_of_3.pdf

Document Summary

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