</s>FD 245 (INEV) 4-13-60) H. S. Department of Jusn.2 (MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILE) E.R.C.UT DESTRO. FIELD OFFICE FILE PENDING LITIGATION FIELD PROCESSED 8778-368- FoIPA PROCESSESD 107,110-canceal 8/11/65-8/85/85 FEDERAL BUREAU ENTIRE FILE REVIEWED of FOR HISTORICAL DECLASSIFICATION REL INFORMATION CONTAINER SECRET IS UNGLASSISTED STREET IS UNCLASSIFIETED 4TH 10-30-0-9/T S/L/C/P/O INVESTIGATION Serifia: Number: Bureau File Number 44-3/4-3K1 DO NOT DESTROY: HISTORICAL VALUE, DO NOT DESTROY HISTorical VALUE NATIONAL ARCHIVES" NATIONALARCHIVES See also Nos. SEE VOL 1 FOR LITUGATION See neut Section MEMBERS 16-325050 2023 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 1478

Summary  
The document comprises multiple FBI investigative reports from April 1968 detailing efforts to track Eric S. Galt, a suspect under scrutiny for potential ties to criminal activities and an investigation related to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK). Key elements include:  
- **Dance Studio Records**: Marlin Myers, former owner of Continental Dance Studios in New Orleans, confirmed Galt took dance lessons from September 1967 to October 1967, paying $10 per lesson and leaving abruptly without records. Louella Lutz, a former business associate of Myers, was noted as holding studio-related records but could not be contacted.  
- **Tire Recap Analysis**: FBI agents sought to identify tire recap patterns on a Mustang recovered in Atlanta, consulting Birmingham-based tire recappers for expertise. A Firestone Deluxe Champion tire with specific markings was analyzed for potential links to Galt’s activities. Coordination with Mexican authorities occurred to trace tire retailers.  
- **Postal and Financial Records**: Galt’s mail history included a Locksmith Ledger from New Jersey, a Southern California Gas Company bill, and an unclaimed refund check sent to his Mexican address in Puerto Vallarta. In California, Jay Vernon, owner of a Hollywood laundromat, reported Galt regularly dropped off laundry (underwear and shirts) for cleaning, paying cash in $10–$20 bills. Financial transactions included payments for apartment rentals at Serrano Apartments in Los Angeles and hotel stays at the St. Francis Hotel.  
- **Forensic Evidence**: Soil samples, scrapings, spare tire fragments, and windshield washer fluid were collected from a car abandonment site near a Greyhound bus station and forwarded to the FBI Laboratory.  
- **Witness Statements**: Charles Stephens reported encountering an individual matching Galt’s physical description in April 1968, though no direct link was confirmed. A 1964 incident at Dominican College in New Orleans referenced an individual named “Eric Galt” allegedly present during a controversial meeting involving the Anti-Defamation League and potential KKK ties.  

Key People  
- **Eric S. Galt**: Suspect under investigation; described as a white male, approximately 35–45 years old, with light brown hair and grey temples. Linked to activities in California (Hollywood laundromat), Georgia (Atlanta), and Louisiana (New Orleans).  
- **Marlin Myers**: Former owner of Continental Dance Studios in New Orleans, provided details about Galt’s lesson history.  
- **Louella Lutz**: Former business associate of Myers, reportedly held studio records but was uncontactable.  
- **Jay Vernon**: Laundromat owner in Hollywood, California, who interacted with Galt and described his clothing style and payment habits.  
- **Lorraine Norma Vernon (Bonnie Vernon)**: Wife of Jay Vernon, reported no familiarity with Galt’s name.  
- **Mrs. Frank (Margarita) Powers**: Former manager of Serrano Apartments in Los Angeles; provided details about Galt’s rental history and payments.  
- **Milton Von Man**: Individual in Nashville who reported the 1964 Dominican College incident involving “Eric Galt.”  
- **Captain E.D. Parra** and **Kermin Crockett**: New Orleans contacts sought information on Galt’s employment history and potential KKK connections.  
- **William M. Hobbs, Jr.**: FBI Special Agent coordinating the investigation.  

Key Locations  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Central to tire recap investigations and postal record checks.  
- **New Orleans, Louisiana**: Site of Continental Dance Studios where Galt allegedly took lessons; location of the 1964 Dominican College incident.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: FBI field office involved in coordinating the investigation.  
- **Atlanta, Georgia**: Location of a Mustang recovery and forensic evidence analysis; destination for Galt’s travel from Greensboro, North Carolina.  
- **Hollywood, California**: Site of Vernon’s laundromat where Galt regularly dropped off laundry.  
- **Los Angeles, California**: St. Francis Hotel (Galt’s residence) and Serrano Apartments (rental address).  
- **Greensboro, North Carolina**: Departure point for Galt’s travel to Atlanta.  
- **Mexico City**: Involved in tire retailer investigations.  

Key Events  
- **Dance Studio Investigation**: Efforts to locate Galt through studio records and former employees.  
- **Tire Recap Analysis**: Collaboration with Birmingham tire recappers to identify vehicle origins; analysis of Firestone tire markings for potential links to Galt’s activities.  
- **Postal Record Tracing**: Examination of mail sent to Galt, including financial transactions and unclaimed refund checks.  
- **Forensic Evidence Collection**: Soil, tire fragments, and fluid samples gathered from a car abandonment site near a Greyhound bus station.  
- **Laundry Interactions**: Regular visits by Galt to Vernon’s laundromat in Hollywood for cleaning services.  
- **Hotel Stays**: Galt resided at the St. Francis Hotel in Los Angeles, paying rent via cash and a business check.  
- **Travel Records**: Eastern Airlines tickets linked to Galt’s movements between Greensboro, Atlanta, and Houston, with reservations tied to contact points in Virginia and Alabama.  
- **1964 Dominican College Incident**: Reference to an individual named “Eric Galt” allegedly present during a controversial meeting involving the Anti-Defamation League and potential KKK ties.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Coordinated multi-location investigation involving Memphis, Birmingham, New Orleans, Atlanta, and Los Angeles offices; sought handwriting comparisons, composite sketches, and cross-referenced travel/financial records.  
- **Postal Inspection Service**: Assisted in tracing Galt’s mail history and financial transactions.  
- **Birmingham Tire Recap Industry**: Provided expertise on tire identification for forensic analysis.  
- **Los Angeles Police Department**: Provided information on Galt’s residency at Serrano Apartments.  
- **Eastern Airlines**: Provided flight records tied to Galt’s movements in April 1968.  
- **Anti-Defamation League** (New Orleans): Mentioned in the context of the 1964 Dominican College incident.  
- **Sperry and Hutchinson Co.**: Green Stamp headquarters referenced in financial records.

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_79-01-part_1_of_4.pdf

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