</s>KC 44-760 CREWS, because CREWS was reportedly suffering from tuberculosis. RAY purchased radio at MSP inmate canteen on 4/21/67. He paid 59.75 for this radio. Channel Master Transistor Radios, Model 69.75 to the radio station. The channel master transmitter radio receiver selling for $9.75. When purchased in inmate's number is etched on it at the canteen and a "slip" is given to the Treasurer's Office. No Serial Numbers maintained on the radios. sold by the canten. -P- 2 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document compiles records of FBI investigations into James Earl Ray’s activities at Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) between 1967 and 1969, focusing on his interactions with inmates, prison staff, and potential ties to organized groups. Ray purchased a Channel Master Transistor Radio (Model 69.75) for $59.75 at the MSP canteen in April 1967, with his inmate number etched onto the device. Inmate interviews from May 1968 and subsequent FBI inquiries noted Ray’s low-profile behavior, avoidance of prison conflicts, and no confirmed associations with organized groups like the COOLEY gang. Rumors of bounties for killing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or organized efforts to target him were mentioned but not substantiated. The investigation also explored Ray’s alleged involvement in inmate escapes, contraband distribution (including drugs like amphetamines), and financial activities tied to prison operations. No direct evidence linking Ray to MLK’s assassination was found, though some informants expressed skepticism about his role, with one suggesting he may have been a "scapegoat" for law enforcement efforts.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Central figure; investigated for alleged involvement in inmate escapes, contraband distribution, and potential ties to organized groups within the penitentiary. His inmate number was etched onto a purchased radio.  
- **Earl Knight (MSP #65078)**: Inmate who denied knowing Ray or any connection to MLK’s assassination.  
- **Major Bernard J. Poiry**: Assistant Warden at MSP, stated no information on COOLEY gang or prison escapes involving Ray.  
- **Harry Lauf (Records Officer, MSP)**: Provided inmate records and noted no COOLEY gang members in custody during relevant periods.  
- **Ronald Westberg**: Inmate at MSP who claimed knowledge of Ray’s escape plan but doubted his connection to MLK’s assassination.  
- **Robert Burns**: Inmate associated with alleged organized groups (referred to as "Cooley") within the penitentiary.  
- **George Jones** and **Donald Ray Johnson**: Inmates allegedly involved in aiding Ray’s escape via a bread box.  

Key Locations  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP), Jefferson City, Missouri**: Central location for inmate records, escape investigations, and prison operations.  
- **Jefferson-Gravois Bank, St. Louis, Missouri**: Mentioned in context of Ray’s alleged interactions with ex-cons.  
- **Kansas City, Kansas**: Linked to contraband distribution networks and Ray’s residence.  
- **New Orleans, Louisiana**: Associated with alleged meetings involving Ray, BARBER, and NORRIS, though details remain unclear.  

Key Events  
- **Purchase of Channel Master Radio**: Ray acquired a radio at the MSP canteen on April 21, 1967, with no serial numbers recorded.  
- **Investigations into COOLEY Gang**: Multiple interviews and records reviewed to determine if Ray or others were affiliated with this alleged group. No definitive evidence was found.  
- **Ray’s escape from MSP**: Investigated through inmate accounts, including claims that George Jones or Donald Ray Johnson assisted in the escape using a bread box.  
- **Contraband distribution**: Inmates like Robert Burns and Jimmy V. Bradley were identified as involved in smuggling amphetamines and other items.  
- **Rumors of bounties for killing MLK**: Some inmates mentioned rumors of bounties for assassinating Dr. King, though no confirmed links to Ray or organized groups.  
- **FBI inquiries into MLK’s assassination**: Some statements suggested doubts about Ray’s involvement, with one informant claiming law enforcement sought a scapegoat.  

Key Organizations  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP)**: Central to the investigation, with staff and inmates providing details on escape plans, contraband, and internal networks.  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted multiple interviews and reviews of prison records to track Ray’s movements and associations.  
- **Organized groups within prisons**: Referred to as "Cooley" or similar, though no formal structure was confirmed.  
- **Belaw Locksmithing Institute**: Mentioned in FBI investigations into handwriting analysis of applications linked to James Earl Ray.

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_83-02-part_7_of_9.pdf

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