</s>FED:245 (REV. 413-60) H. S. D. department of Justice (MATERIAL MUST NOT LE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILE) FAMOUS DATE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FAMUS DATE of THE UNITED States OF AMERICA Famus Dade Fay FAMUOLLY-1977-Sub-E STORICAL VALUE. FIELD OFFICE FILE STORICIAL VALUE FOIPA PROCESSED DO NOT DESTROY FEDERAL BUREAU DO NOT ESTROY ENTIRE FILE REVIEWED PENDING LITIGATION FOR HISTORICAL of FOR HISTORYICAL 9 778 3/8 3/9 - cancel 1% DECLASSIFICATION INVESTIGATION Yorkshire Number: Bureau File Number 44-3846/ Scratch 0.65 A Copy ( copy) (only "DO NOT DESTROY: HIST: ALUE, SEE also Nos. NATL.1 LIVES" SEE YOU 1 ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED FOR LITUGATION ALL INFORMATION UNCLASSIFIED DATE/B/BV/S PICICI/E9 See neft Sectin See neht Sectin (only) 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
This document compiles declassified government records detailing an FBI investigation into James Earl Ray’s criminal activities and potential connections to the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Key elements include Ray’s alleged escape from prison, his association with the Grapevine Tavern in St. Louis, and links to other suspects such as Carol Pepper (a convicted felon) and John RAY (likely James Earl Ray). The investigation notes Ray’s military service, employment history, and movements across Missouri, Tennessee, and California. It references prior threats against MLK by Delano Elmer Walker and Benny K. Pinkston, which were resolved. Authorities emphasized monitoring Ray’s activities due to his status as an escaped convict and suspected threat. While the document does not directly reference MLK’s assassination, it contextualizes Ray’s criminal network and ties to illegal operations, including liquor violations at the Grapevine Tavern.  

Key People:  
- **James Earl Ray**: Suspected of assassinating MLK; last seen in St. Louis in 1967, with alleged escape from prison 30 days prior.  
- **Carol Pepper**: Sister of Jerry Ray, involved in tavern operations and cited for liquor violations; uncooperative with investigators.  
- **John RAY (likely James Earl Ray)**: Operated the Grapevine Tavern with Carol Pepper; linked to illegal liquor sales.  
- **Jerry Ray (possibly JERRY RAYNES)**: Relative of John RAY, disappeared from St. Louis in May 1968; unclear ties to Ray’s activities.  
- **Albert Pepper**: Husband of Carol Pepper; associated with the tavern and monitored by authorities.  
- **Delano Elmer Walker** and **Benny K. Pinkston**: Previously threatened MLK; their threats were resolved.  
- **John RAY (Gawron)**: Provided information on Ray’s movements, including his presence in St. Louis, Nashville, and Los Angeles.  

Key Locations:  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Central to Ray’s criminal activities, including the Grapevine Tavern and neighborhood investigations.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Mentioned in motel checks and travel history inquiries.  
- **Hannibal, Missouri**: Home of Charles Gunn (Alba Tavern operator) and other associates.  
- **Los Angeles, California**: Noted as a location Ray allegedly visited.  
- **Nashville, Tennessee**: Linked to John RAY’s movements.  

Key Events:  
- **1967 Liquor Violations**: Carol Pepper and John RAY cited for illegal liquor sales at the Grapevine Tavern.  
- **Ray’s Escape from Prison**: Documented as a critical concern; he was described as "armed and dangerous."  
- **Military Service Records Review**: Examination of Ray’s U.S. Army service (1944–1945) and employment history.  
- **Phone Monitoring Request**: FBI sought to track toll calls from individuals linked to Ray, including James David Daily.  
- **Previous Threats Against MLK**: Resolved threats by Delano Elmer Walker and Benny K. Pinkston were noted as resolved.  

Key Organizations:  
- **FBI**: Conducted the investigation into Ray’s movements, criminal network, and potential ties to MLK’s assassination.  
- **St. Louis Telephone Company**: Requested to monitor toll calls related to Ray’s activities.  
- **National Maritime Union** and **Seafarers International and Inland Boatmen’s Union**: Mentioned in records of Ernest Gault and others.  
- **Veterans Administration Records Center**: Referenced in military personnel record checks.  
- **Commercial Bakeries and Bakers Union**: Noted in financial record reviews.  

Note: The document does not contain direct references to MLK’s assassination or explicit details about the event, but it contextualizes Ray’s criminal activities and associations within the broader investigation.

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_81-01-part_1_of_9.pdf

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