</s>D. 2.45 (REV. 4:13-60) H. S. Department of Justice K.S .- 1981 - Sull-B-3 Littles and Littles - Dayy (MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED T HIS FILED CUSTOMER'S VOICE 2778 8/8/8 C.M.A.S.C.A ., C.O.S FIELD OFFICE FILE FOIPA PROCESSED FEDERAL BUREAU ENTIRE FILE REVIEWED FOR HISTORICAL of DECLASSIFICATION INVESTIGATION Bureau File Number 44-38861 Volume Number: "DO NOT DESTROY: HISTO.N. VALUE. NATIONAL ARCHIVES" 6477 647 7 5 See also No. 1e destroyed per SAC Startgell 5-M-1/4/1 au SEE YOU 1 FOR LITIGATIONS See elleup Section MARK 18-7770 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O ., 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations from May 1968 into potential connections between laundry marking equipment, Thermo-Seal tape distribution, and individuals linked to Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. Key inquiries focused on codes (e.g., 02B-6) and machinery used in activities related to the case, with emphasis on Puerto Rico and South Carolina. The FBI examined businesses, distributors, and individuals such as Manuel Gomez Esteves, Harold Glendenning, Robert Morrow, Eric Starvo Galt, and Mary Pearl Loynes. Investigations included interviews, photographic comparisons, record checks, and interagency communications. Additional records reference fingerprint comparisons of James Earl Ray (FBI number 405943G) and James Hart Ray (7/1 404045C), an envelope linked to Mary Grooms, a letter from Alois Buchner in Austria referencing Eric Stiro Gelt and MLK, and inquiries into Cecil M. Shilstone of New Orleans. Fragmented records also mention JERRY RAY in Camden, NJ, ESTHER RAYMOND in Tyrone, PA, David COOPERMANT’s stolen check association, and administrative FBI case management notes.  

Key People  
- **Manuel Gomez Esteves**: Distributor of Thermo-Seal tape in Puerto Rico; potential link to the investigation.  
- **Harold Glendenning**: Manager at Base Exchange Laundry in San Juan, Puerto Rico; provided Thermo-Seal samples and discussed codes.  
- **Robert Morrow**: Suspect under investigation for possible connection to Eric Starvo Galt; interviewed in South Carolina.  
- **Eric Starvo Galt**: Subject of photographic comparisons; linked to MLK assassination through sightings and alleged connections.  
- **Mary Pearl Loynes**: Witness who reported an individual resembling Galt at a Memphis restaurant.  
- **James Earl Ray** (FBI number 405943G): Subject of fingerprint comparisons in envelope analysis.  
- **James Hart Ray** (7/1 404045C): Mentioned in envelope analysis linked to Mary Grooms.  
- **Alois Buchner**: Austrian individual who referenced Eric Stiro Gelt and MLK in a letter.  
- **Cecil M. Shilstone**: New Orleans industrialist questioned about MLK assassination rumors; no evidence found.  
- **JERRY RAY**: Investigated for potential ties to MLK-related threats in Camden, NJ.  
- **ESTHER RAYMOND**: In Tyrone, PA; subject of FBI inquiry regarding E. RATMOND residents.  
- **David COOPERMANT**: Linked to stolen check and sofa purchase; tracked by FBI.  
- **Miss MILLER**: Dancing teacher in Alexandria, VA; provided witness account.  

Key Locations  
- **Puerto Rico** (San Juan, Hato Rey, Rio Piedras): Businesses involved in Thermo-Seal tape distribution and laundry operations.  
- **South Carolina** (Beaufort, Ehrhardt): Sites of witness interviews and sightings resembling Galt.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Restaurant where Loynes worked; photograph displayed for identification.  
- **New Orleans, Louisiana**: Cecil M. Shilstone’s residence; FBI inquiry into assassination rumors.  
- **Camden, NJ**: JERRY RAY’s employment status investigated by FBI.  
- **Tyrone, PA**: ESTHER RAYMOND’s location; inquiries about E. RATMOND residents.  
- **Philadelphia, Pennsylvania**: FBI office involved in document analysis and circular letter distribution.  
- **Dallas, Texas**: Reference to JFK assassination investigation (1963).  

Key Events  
- Investigation into Thermo-Seal tape distribution and laundry marking codes in Puerto Rico.  
- Interviews with business owners and employees to verify use of specific codes (e.g., 02B-6).  
- FBI efforts to link Robert Morrow to Eric Starvo Galt via photographic comparisons and witness accounts.  
- Analysis of documents for latent fingerprints, including an envelope linked to Mary Grooms and James Hart Ray.  
- Transmission of circular letters to regional FBI offices (Memphis, San Juan, etc.) for public distribution.  
- Inquiry into rumors linking Cecil M. Shilstone to MLK’s assassination; no evidence found.  
- Investigation into JERRY RAY’s potential involvement in MLK-related threats (May 1968).  
- Tracking of David COOPERMANT and his association with stolen checks and a sofa purchase.  
- FBI administrative notes on case management, including file numbers and location-based investigations.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted investigations, coordinated interagency communications, and shared findings via internal memos.  
- **Puerto Rico Department of Commerce**: Mentioned as a regulatory body for Thermo-Seal tape distribution.  
- **Beaufort Police Department**: Provided witness statements regarding sightings of individuals resembling Galt.  
- **Truth and Consequences group**: Referenced in context of funding investigations (not explicitly tied to MLK case).  
- **U.S. Postal Service**: Mentioned in administrative notes related to mail inquiries.  
- **Fairfax County Recreation Department**: Affiliation of Miss MILLER, a witness providing an account.

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_71-01-part_1_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search