</s>E 44-1967 Tok:tjm 1 JOSEPH AMARIS currently scaredrated at the Illinois State Peuententary was scarantiated with JAMES EARL RAY at the Missouri State Penitentiary Pennsylvania. SAMS left the pimientary in October, 1967. RAY brought food to the hospital where ADAMS was working and as assigned by the prison kitchen. He described him as a quiet quicet otherwise, but he never talked directly to him so did he ever observe him with any other kates. LF.F. BARNETT currently scared at the Florida State Pres. Retort, Torada, Ked at 2E5 EARL. RAY in the Missouri state date: throuh 1, 1952 until August 1, 1965. at the New Jersey state. Throuh 3, 1947. Presentally at the new jersey state. RAY never said such, did not bother anybody, was a lower than had a very severe accident and a definite mental problem. He was taking possessed imphesthetic while in prison and would suffer weight losses and gauses of 10 to 15 pounds over short periods of time. RAINNETT stated that aphrodite taken in quantities would produce a substantial? add weight loss. The Amherstatic supply, prior to 1961, was $5 a shot or less and after 1961, although the supply was limited, it still sold for the same price. 45 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14178

Summary: The documents detail James Earl Ray’s criminal history, prison activities, and alleged associations linked to his incarceration at Missouri State Penitentiary and subsequent movements. Ray, a convicted criminal with multiple arrests for burglary, robbery, forgery, and larceny between 1946 and 1964, was incarcerated in various U.S. state penitentiaries from 1952 to 1968. Inmate accounts describe his drug use (amphetamines, barbiturates), escape attempts, and interactions with prison associates such as Johnny Valenti, Milton Valvaloski, Carl Drake, Walter W. Nolan, Thomas Britton, and others involved in smuggling, gambling, and tunneling. Some inmates speculate Ray discussed plans to kill Martin Luther King Jr., including a potential financial reward of $100,000, though no direct evidence links him to the assassination. References include his physical appearance (cleft on face, prominent chin), prison transfers, medical conditions, and movements to Mexico, Memphis, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and California State Prison. FBI records and inmate testimonies mention financial transactions, smuggling activities, and potential connections to individuals like Eric Stavro Galt and Rita Stein. A Social Security number is noted as "PII" (possibly redacted).  

Key People:  
- James Earl Ray (central figure; described as a loner, drug user, escape planner, and alleged plotter against MLK)  
- Johnny Valenti (prison associate linked to Ray’s activities)  
- Milton Valvaloski (individual associated with Ray through Valenti)  
- Carl Drake (inmate who reported Ray’s escape planning)  
- Walter W. Nolan (inmate aware of Ray’s escape attempts)  
- Thomas Britton (inmate who assumed Ray’s identity in prison)  
- Howard Nunni (inmate #6889; mentioned Ray’s prison interactions but no direct ties to MLK assassination)  
- James Loama Owens (inmate; detailed Ray’s associations with Jack Gawron and travel to Mexico)  
- Donald Johnson (inmate; described Ray’s escape logistics)  
- Harry Sero (inmate; mentioned speculative bounty discussions for MLK’s death in Memphis)  
- Milton Zavalofcski (former inmate at Leavenworth; knew Ray from prison)  
- Charles Calvin Bookman (FBI #9929555; served time with Ray at Leavenworth)  
- Eric Stavro Galt (alleged smuggler, connected to Ray’s associates)  
- Wade (individual involved in prison financial transactions)  
- Prutt (inmate cellmate of Ray; mentioned in context of Ray's possible violence)  

Key Locations:  
- Missouri State Penitentiary (Ray’s primary incarceration site; key location for escape planning and inmate interactions)  
- Alabama (mentioned as a location Ray was familiar with)  
- Mexico (referenced in discussions about potential hiding places or smuggling routes; Mexico City noted for an alleged assault incident)  
- Memphis, Tennessee (site of speculative bounty discussions for MLK’s death)  
- Los Angeles, California (Ray’s alleged movements post-prison escape; St. Francis Hotel mentioned as location of interactions between Galt and associates)  
- New Orleans, Louisiana (Ray’s reported travel to pick up Rita Stein's children)  
- Leavenworth, Kansas (prison where Ray was held)  
- Joliet, Illinois (noted in criminal history records)  
- Cedar Rapids, Iowa (mentioned in criminal history records)  

Key Events:  
- James Earl Ray’s escape attempts from Missouri State Penitentiary (described through inmate accounts involving bread box delivery methods)  
- Speculative conversations about a bounty for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in Memphis (noted as unverified speculation by Harry Sero)  
- Ray’s alleged drug trafficking activities within the prison (selling amphetamines and other stimulants to inmates)  
- Financial transactions involving prison earnings, smuggling activities, and potential drug trafficking operations  
- Inmate interactions including drug use, medical conditions, and descriptions of Ray’s physical appearance  
- Ray’s movements between Los Angeles, New Orleans, Missouri, and California State Prison  
- FBI investigations into Ray’s whereabouts and associations (including records like FBI #9929555)  
- A 1966 petition for religious services at the Black Muslims organization leading to a riot at Missouri State Penitentiary  

Key Organizations:  
- Missouri State Penitentiary (central institution where Ray was incarcerated)  
- U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI; referenced through records like FBI #9929555 and inmate records)  
- Black Muslims (mentioned in context of a 1966 petition for religious services, leading to a riot at Missouri State Penitentiary)  
- U.S. Postal Service (noted in connection to forgery convictions related to Ray’s criminal history)  
- State Penitentiary systems (Illinois, Missouri)  
- Local police departments (e.g., Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office, Chicago Police Department)

MLK Declassified Files

44-pg-578_763522_02-04-part_2_of_6.pdf

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