</s>FD-36 (Rev. 5:22-64) FBI Date: 4/9/68 Transmit the following in (Type in plainst or code) TELETYPE URGENT (Priority) Vid TO: BUREAU; MEMPHIS; CHARLOTTE; AND NEWARK FROM: RICHMOND (44-657) 1P FROM. CR. MR. ROBERT JONES, DIRECTOR OF WOODROW WILSON REHABILIZATION MR. ROBERT JONES, VA ., ADVISED THIS DATE HE WAS IN SAVANNAH, GA. CENTER, STAUNTON, VA. ., ADVISED THS DATE HIS DATE He WAS IN savannah, GA .- NIGHT OF APRIL FIVE-SIX, LAST, AT LOCAL BAR. HE MET ONE LESTER FORSYTHE FROM THE STATE OFFICE OF THE "KU KLUX KLAN" P. O. BOX TWELVE, CALDWELL, N. J. JONES BELIEVES FORSYTHE" IS AN EXACT LOOK-ALIKE TO THE ARTIST CONCEPTION OF THE UNSUB IN THIS CASE. JONES WAS ACCOMPANIED BY SAMUEL TARLTON, SUPERINTENDENT, HISTORICAL STESES3, NORTH CAROLINA DEPT. OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY, RALEIGH, N. C. ADMINISTRATIVE: LEADS. NEWARK WILL IDENTIFY LESTERN FORSYTH AND OBTAIN NECESSARY DATA AND SPECIFICALLY ANY FBI NO. OR FINGER- PRINT RECORD TO IDENTITY OR ELIMINATE HIM AS AS SUSPECT IN THIS MATTER. CHARLOTHE - AT RALEIGHT. WILL LOCATE AND INTERVIEW MR. SAMUIL TARLOTTON FOR ANY INFO HE MAY HAVE RE THE IDENTITY OF LESSTER FORSYTHER AND HIS POSSIBLE CONNECTION WITH INSTANT CASE. END. 14/1.657-10 - Richmond Approved Special Agent in Charge Sent Per 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations into the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on suspect identification, forensic analysis of laundry tags, and travel movements of individuals linked to the case. Robert Jones, a VA official in Savannah, GA, reported meeting Lester Forsythe, described as resembling the suspect, prompting FBI efforts to verify his identity through fingerprint records and interviews. John Saunders Willard, arrested in Roanoke, VA (FBI file #972-7778), was linked to the investigation due to his presence in jail around the time of King’s murder. The FBI pursued leads on a rifle purchased by an individual with names Harvey Loweyeer or Lommyer, described as a white male with specific physical traits. Frederick Dunston in NC claimed an unknown man confessed to shooting King but appeared scared. The FBI coordinated with local authorities to locate a hitchhiker matching the suspect’s description.  

Separate documents reference Lester Irving Forsyth, linked to George Wallace’s presidential campaign and potential KKK ties, described as a white male in his early 30s driving a late-model station wagon with Wallace stickers. Observers noted his presence in Savannah, GA, and interactions with law enforcement. Laundry tags recovered from the assassination scene were analyzed by the FBI, revealing thermoseal markings produced by Textile Marking Machine Co., Syracuse, NY. The code "TO THE B DASH SIX" or similar was linked to specific laundries and machines across multiple states. The Bureau sought to trace these machines to identify potential connections to the assassination.  

William Lehmeier, a client of Cooper Gill (Carmens’ union representative with leg injuries), traveled from Roanoke to Richmond, VA, then to Atlanta, GA, where he stayed at the Atlanta Hilton Hotel. He planned to meet a prospective client in Birmingham, AL, on March 27, 1968, but the client refused engagement. The FBI requested discreet background checks on individuals contacted by Lehmeier.  

Key People  
- Robert Jones (VA official, Savannah, GA)  
- Lester Forsythe (KKK associate, suspected match to unsub; linked to George Wallace campaign)  
- John Saunders Willard (arrested in Roanoke, VA; FBI #972-7778)  
- Harvey Loweyeer/Lommyer (suspected rifle purchaser)  
- Frederick Dunston (NC resident who allegedly spoke with suspect)  
- William Lehmeier (client of Cooper Gill, labor union contact)  
- Cooper Gill (Carmens’ union representative, leg injuries)  
- Lester Irving Forsyth (suspect linked to George Wallace campaign, KKK ties)  
- Ray Snyder (former sales rep for Textile Marking Machine Co.)  
- Hershel Banks (former sales rep for Textile Marking Machine Co.)  

Key Locations  
- Savannah, GA (meeting between Jones and Forsythe; Forsyth’s sightings)  
- Roanoke, VA (Willard’s arrest; Lehmeier’s travel origin)  
- Memphis, TN (scene of King’s assassination)  
- Whiteville, NC (Dunston’s residence; suspect’s alleged departure point)  
- Atlanta, GA (Lehmeier’s hotel stay)  
- Birmingham, AL (Lehmeier’s planned meeting)  
- Syracuse, NY (Textile Marking Machine Co.)  
- Sarasota, FL (Lily-White Laundry and Cleaners)  
- Mobile, AL (Bishop Cleaners and Laundry, Chin’s Laundry, Palace Laundry)  
- Atlanta, GA (Marks Laundry and Cleaners)  
- Charleston, SC (Columbia Ideal White Shan Cleaners and Laundry)  
- Jacksonville, FL (Tillman’s Laundry, Strahn’s Laundry)  
- Miami, FL (New Peerless Laundry)  
- Tampa, FL (Palmaceia Cleaners and Laundry, Lincoln Laundry, Spotless Cleaners, Sevens’ Inc.)  
- Tupelo, MS (Long’s Laundry and Cleaners)  
- Delta State College (MS)  

Key Events  
- FBI verification of Lester Forsythe’s identity via fingerprint records  
- Investigation into John Willard’s criminal history and presence in jail during the murder  
- Search for rifle purchaser with names Harvey Loweyeer/Lommyer  
- Dunston’s claim of a confession from an unknown suspect seeking surrender  
- Coordination with local authorities to locate suspect hitchhiker  
- Lehmeier’s travel itinerary between March 26–27, 1968, including hotel stays and meetings  
- FBI requests for background checks on individuals contacted by Lehmeier  
- Forsyth’s sightings in Savannah, GA, linked to Wallace campaign activities  
- Recovery and analysis of laundry tags from the assassination scene, tracing thermoseal codes to specific laundries  
- Identification of thermoseal tape used on laundry items linked to King’s assassination  
- Investigation into code system on thermoseal tape (e.g., "B1" followed by a bundle number) and machine specifications  
- Efforts to locate textile marking machines with serial numbers and models  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI; Richmond, Newark, Charlotte, Memphis offices)  
- Ku Klux Klan (Forsythe’s alleged affiliation)  
- Brotherhood of Railway Carmen (mentioned in travel logs)  
- Sears Roebuck Co. (credit manager contact)  
- Textile Marking Machine Co. (Syracuse, NY; manufacturer of thermoseal tags)  
- Laundries and cleaners in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina, and other states  
- Delta State College (MS)

MLK Declassified Files

44-rh-657_sec_001_ser_1-42-part_6_of_10.pdf

Document Summary

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