FD-302 (Rev. 1-25-60) EDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGAT Date May 8, 1968 1 JAMES EDWARD "TED" RICHARDSON, Missouri State Penitentiary (NSP) #49362, was interviewed at his place of employment, the Jefferson Cleaning Shop, 1650 South Jefferson, His residence is in the rear of this establishment. RICHARDSON furnished information that he was born January 13, 1907 at Chilicothec, Missouri, and entered the NSP on a murder at the time of his death sentence was later commuted. to "death row" at that time but his death sentences was later committed. He was released from FRSP on March 30, 1965, and has resided in the St. Louis area since that time. He described RAY as one of the "nuts" or "cowboys" who according to RICHARDSON were the hoodoos who would be involved in most type of petty thieves or gangsters? going on inside most types of any type. RICHARDSONS stated he knew subject RAY only casually since he worked more than 20 years in the hospital in the institution under Doctor HUGH W. MANLEY, RICHardson stated the head some publicity concerning RAY escaping shortly after it occurred but had heard nothing indicating that subject RAV had been in. Louis or made any contacts in the St. Louis, Louisiana. He described Ray as one OF the inmates who used narcotics or medications described as the hospital was unable. He stated that his most frequent encounter with RAY was upon the occasions of RAT's reporting to the hospital for sick call. On 5/6/68 of St.Louis, Missouri File # Siz 44-775 SA CLEETIS B. BIDEWELL/MB SA WILLIAM H. WARTFIELD Date dictated 5/16/68 This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI. It the property and is loomed to your agency; it end its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. 1622

Summary  
The documents detail FBI and St. Louis Police Department investigations into James Earl Ray’s movements and associations in Missouri during 1967–1968, focusing on his escape from Missouri State Penitentiary, alleged connections to criminal networks, and potential ties to individuals linked to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Key figures include J.D. Daily, a restaurant owner in Portageville, Missouri, and other inmates or associates such as Donald Dean Rigger, James Richardson, and Robert Powell. The FBI sought information on Ray’s financial activities, prison interactions, and post-release associations, including claims of ties to the Ku Klux Klan, Mexican Army structures, and radio broadcasters like John Paul Velanti. Investigations also examined property ownership, business operations, and local rumors about Ray’s alleged involvement in criminal enterprises or assistance with his escape. While Ray was apprehended in 1968, the documents do not explicitly confirm his direct role in MLK’s assassination but highlight ongoing scrutiny of his associates and activities during the period.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Escaped from Missouri State Penitentiary in 1967; suspected of involvement in MLK’s assassination; later apprehended.  
- **J.D. Daily**: Restaurant owner in Portageville, Missouri; alleged associate of Ray; operated a business in St. Louis and Portageville; had family ties in Wardell, Missouri.  
- **Donald Dean Rigger**: Inmate at Missouri Training School for Men; claimed to have known Ray during incarceration; allegedly traveled to Mexico with interest in Mexican Army structures.  
- **James Richardson**: Former inmate at Missouri State Penitentiary; described Ray as a narcotics user and escapee; shared a cell with Robert Powell.  
- **Robert Powell**: Inmate who shared a cell with James Richardson; mentioned Ray’s escape attempts.  
- **John Paul Velanti**: Radio broadcaster in St. Louis; claimed familiarity with Ray but denied direct contact.  
- **Homer Townsley**: Bondman and former tavern operator; had disputes with J.D. Daily over financial dealings involving a retired U.S. Army Major.  
- **William Ray**: Identified as a childhood friend of J.D. Daily, later linked to Ray’s family.  
- **Junior Conway**: Associated with J.D. Daily; shot by Dailey and confined to a wheelchair.  
- **Leo Spino**: Owner of a shoe repair shop in St. Louis; confirmed Dailey’s relocation to the countryside near Portageville.  

Key Locations  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary (Jefferson City)**: Ray’s incarceration site; details of his transfer and escape.  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Ray’s alleged residence; locations such as Jefferson Cleaning Shop, 1632 South 18th Street, Halfway Cafe, Denton's Bar, and a restaurant near Portageville.  
- **Portageville, Missouri**: Area where J.D. Daily resided and operated a restaurant; home to family members like Hazel Terrell, Lillian Johnson, and Ada Giles.  
- **Wardell, Missouri**: Residence of J.D. Daily’s family members; landowners such as O.H. Acon.  
- **Morrell, Missouri**: Mentioned in prison transfer records.  
- **Mexico**: Rigger’s alleged travel; interest in Mexican Army structure.  

Key Events  
- **Ray’s escape from Missouri State Penitentiary (1967)**: Investigated by FBI and St. Louis Police Department; details of his movements, associates, and financial incentives for capture.  
- **Investigations into Ray’s associates**: Focus on J.D. Daily, Rigger, Richardson, Powell, and Velanti; interviews with locals, business owners, and family members to verify connections.  
- **Claims of financial incentives for Ray’s capture**: Mentioned in police reports.  
- **Alleged ties to Ku Klux Klan**: Implied through prison interactions and associations.  
- **Surveillance and informants**: FBI relied on confidential sources to track Ray’s movements; interviews with individuals like Virgil Denton, Homer Townsley, and Leo Spino.  
- **CREWS’ prison escape and arrest in St. Louis**: Possibly linked to J.D. Daily’s family or associates.  
- **Junior Conway’s shooting by Dailey**: Described as an incident involving Dailey’s associate.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted investigations into Ray’s escape, associates, and potential involvement in MLK’s assassination; collaborated with St. Louis Police Department.  
- **St. Louis Police Department (SLPD)**: Focused on tracking Ray and his contacts; conducted interviews and surveillance.  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary**: Central to Ray’s incarceration and escape details.  
- **Commercial Credit Rating Company**: Mentioned in Ray’s financial records.  
- **Missouri State Highway Patrol**: Involved in interviews and investigations related to J.D. Daily.  
- **Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Officer**: Provided land ownership data for Pemiscot County, Missouri.

MLK Declassified Files

44-si-561_sec_010_ser_529_only-part_5_of_9.pdf

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