</s>SL: 44-775 ERNEST SUMPTER GALT - 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail investigations into James Earl Ray’s background, arrests, military service, and employment history conducted by federal agencies between 1955 and 1968. Key information includes Ray’s early life in Missouri, his 1955 arrest for forging postal money orders, military service with the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948, and subsequent employment and residences in Illinois and Missouri. Ray was described as a professional forger with aliases such as "Jim Rains" and "James Walton." His arrest records note his release from federal custody in 1958 and mention his alleged stay at the Park Hotel in Montgomery City, Missouri, though it was no longer operational by 1968. In April 1968, law enforcement agencies conducted checks to verify Ray’s employment history as a baker in St. Louis, finding no records of such work. A May 1966 arrest for an armed robbery at a Kroger store involved a scuffle with officers during which Ray was shot and subdued.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Central subject; arrested for postal money order forgery in 1955, described as a professional forger with aliases.  
- **Mrs. Lucille Ryan**: Identified as Ray’s aunt; listed as his address in St. Louis, Missouri.  
- **Jerry Raynes/Raynes Family**: Mentioned in Ewing, Missouri, as a poor family Ray was associated with during the 1930s–1940s.  
- **Roy Willis**: Former Hannibal, Missouri, police officer who purchased a car from Ray after his 1955 arrest.  
- **John Shicker**: Postal Inspector involved in reviewing Ray’s 1955 money order forgery case.  
- **J. Lee Simpkins**: Probation Officer who noted Ray’s release from federal custody in 1958 and described him as a professional forger.  

Key Locations  
- **Ewing, Missouri**: Ray’s early residence; mentioned in school records and neighbor accounts.  
- **Quincy, Illinois**: Ray’s family moved here during the 1940s; later associated with his employment and residences.  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Ray’s address listed as 1913 Hickory Street; connected to Mrs. Lucille Ryan.  
- **Hannibal, Missouri**: Site of Ray’s 1955 arrest for postal money order forgery.  
- **Montgomery City, Missouri**: Hotel where Ray allegedly stayed in 1955; no longer operational by 1968.  
- **3417 Ohio Avenue, St. Louis**: Kroger store involved in robbery leading to Ray’s 1966 arrest.  

Key Events  
- **1955 Arrests**: Ray and Walter Terry Riffe arrested for forging postal money orders; both pleaded guilty to violating Title 18, Section 500.  
- **Military Service (1946–1948)**: Ray served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany and New Jersey; convicted of drunkenness and misconduct.  
- **Release from Federal Custody (1958)**: Ray was conditionally released from Leavenworth Penitentiary and resided with Mrs. Lucille Ryan in St. Louis.  
- **Probation Records**: Ray’s probation file noted his employment, family ties, and plans to move to Denver, Colorado, for health reasons.  
- **April 1968 Investigation**: Law enforcement checked Ray’s bakery employment history in St. Louis; no records found.  
- **May 1966 Armed Robbery Arrest**: Ray was arrested at a Kroger store, leading to a scuffle and shooting during his apprehension.  

Key Organizations  
- **U.S. Army**: Ray served as a Private First Class; records detail assignments in Germany and New Jersey.  
- **United States Postal Service**: Involved in Ray’s 1955 money order forgery case; John Shicker reviewed the investigation.  
- **United States Probation Office**: Maintained Ray’s probation file, noting his release from custody and residence with Mrs. Lucille Ryan.  
- **Bakers Union #4AFL-CIO**: Contacted for employment verification in St. Louis.  
- **St. Louis Police Department**: Involved in robbery investigation and arrest of Ray.  
- **Commercial bakeries in St. Louis**: Subject of employment checks during 1968 investigation.

MLK Declassified Files

44-sl-775_742351_03-01-part_3_of_9.pdf

Document Summary

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