</s>H. S. Department of Justice GUASSITION NO. FEDERAL BUREAU field office file of FOIPA Processed - INVESTIGATION Bureau Fite Number 44-38846) TREVIEWED TORICAL L.10/30/81 SP.C.CKFET DO NOT DESTROY PENDING LITIGATION "DO NOT DISTROY. Series 1-88-814-0 Volume Number HISTORICAL VALUE, NATIONAL ARCHIVES" DO NOT DESTROY HISTorical VALUE See also Nos. NATIONAL-ARCHIVES See Yol 1 for Stigations Sue Next Section 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
This document compiles FBI investigative records from May 1968 detailing James Earl Ray’s alleged involvement in the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., his escape from Missouri State Penitentiary in 1967, and subsequent activities in St. Louis and Memphis. The investigation includes interactions with Carol Pepper, Jerry Raynes, Circuit Judge John C. Casey, and FBI agents like Harold R. Dobson. Key elements include Ray’s 1959 armed robbery conviction, concerns over racial unrest if his case was mishandled, and a bank robbery in Alton, Illinois, linked to Ray and an individual referred to as "JIMMY." The FBI sought clarification on the robbery’s location, potential accomplices, and Ray’s movements. Additional records reference Jack Eugene Gawron’s 1967 burglary arrest, parole violations, and ties to St. Louis police investigations. An inmate at Missouri State Penitentiary described Ray’s behavior as a "loner" possibly involved in drug sales, while another document notes prison truck operations between the penitentiary and Renz Farm.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray (J.D. Daily) – Accused of MLK’s assassination; previously convicted of armed robbery in 1959; linked to Alton bank robbery.  
- Carol Pepper – Subject of FBI telephone inquiries; referenced in source’s conversations.  
- Jerry Raynes – Individual with ties to Ray, mentioned in telephone records.  
- Circuit Judge John C. Casey – Handled legal proceedings related to Ray’s 1959 conviction and escape from prison.  
- Harold R. Dobson – FBI agent involved in the investigation.  
- JIMMIE CRAWFORD – Individual associated with Ray and the Alton bank robbery.  
- Jack Eugene Gawron – Arrested for burglary at Art's Place, St. Louis; linked to Ray’s activities.  
- Arthur Gibbs – Business owner at Art's Place, victim of burglary.  
- Russell L. Higgins – Superintendent, Division of Supervision of Parolees.  
- James Henry Ramsey – Accomplice of Jack J. Gawron; described as a white male with possible ties to bartering or labor.  
- Bobby Ash – Inmate potentially involved in drug sales to Ray.  

Key Locations  
- St. Louis, Missouri – Central location for FBI operations, interviews, court proceedings, and prior arrests (e.g., Ramsey’s residence at 1155 S. Louis St.).  
- Memphis, Tennessee – Mentioned as a location of interest in Ray’s activities.  
- Alton, Illinois – Site of the 1959 bank robbery; referenced in FBI investigations.  
- Missouri State Penitentiary – Site of Ray’s incarceration and escape (October 1964–April 1967).  
- Renz Farm – Linked to prison truck operations between Missouri State Penitentiary and Jefferson City, Missouri.  
- South Eleventh Street, St. Louis – Address associated with source’s residence.  
- Mississippi River – Bridge mentioned as a potential crossing point for fugitives.  

Key Events  
- James Earl Ray’s escape from Missouri State Penitentiary in 1967.  
- FBI investigation into Ray’s whereabouts and activities between 1967–1968, including toll call investigations and legal proceedings.  
- Bank robbery in Alton, Illinois (approx. $28,000 stolen) linked to Ray and an individual referred to as "JIMMY."  
- Jack Eugene Gawron’s burglary arrest at Art's Place, St. Louis, on June 2, 1967; parole violation warrant in Illinois.  
- Source’s conflicting accounts of the Alton bank robbery location, suggesting it occurred near a Mississippi River bridge.  
- Inmate accounts of Ray’s behavior during incarceration (October 1964–April 1967), including possible drug sales to Bobby Ash.  
- Concerns raised by Judge Casey about potential racial unrest if Ray’s case was mishandled.  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Conducted investigations, provided administrative details, and interviewed informants.  
- Missouri State Penitentiary – Site of Ray’s incarceration and escape; referenced in inmate accounts.  
- St. Louis Police Department – Involved in burglary investigations and fugitive warrants.  
- Division of Supervision of Parolees, Illinois Department of Public Safety – Managed parole violations linked to Jack Eugene Gawron.  
- Southern Conference – Mentioned as an entity referenced by Judge Casey for civil rights information.

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_83-01-part_01_of_10.pdf

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