FD 245 (HEV 4:13:60) M. S. department of Justice (MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILED (MATEURAL MUST NOT BEMOVED) FROM OR ADDEDTO THIS FILE) FEDERAL BUREAU 44.775.5 of INVESTIGATION Volume Number: Bureau File Number 4/4. 38F61 Serials See also Nos. DO NOT DESTRC HISTORICAL VALUE NATIONAL ARCHIVES Claud dutori Babonn Hetel MARK-KLARS 18-28650

Summary:  
The documents detail FBI investigations into James Earl Ray’s activities between 1967–1968, including his movements in Los Angeles and Kansas City, Missouri. Ray was linked to associates like Charles J. Stein and Louis Lomax, who provided information about his travel plans to New Orleans in December 1967. The FBI tracked Ray’s residence at 1535 North Serrano Avenue in Los Angeles and investigated his alleged purchase of a 1966 Mustang, connections to mail-order houses, and correspondence with groups like the American-Southern Africa Council and John Birch Society. An interview with Charles Stein described Ray’s trip to New Orleans, where they engaged in voter registration activities for George Wallace’s American Independent Party. Stein mentioned a suitcase in Ray’s car potentially linked to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., though no direct evidence was provided. Walter E. Nolan’s records from Missouri Department of Corrections (1963–1968) show his institutional assignments, disciplinary actions, and family connections but lack ties to MLK or the assassination investigation.  

Key People:  
- James Earl Ray (suspected assassin of MLK)  
- Charles J. Stein (informant providing details about Ray’s activities)  
- Louis Lomax (newspaperman linked to Ray’s associates)  
- James Wilson Brown (murderer in Kansas City, 1960)  
- Johnny Velanti (arrested for armed robbery in 1959)  
- Walter E. Nolan (prisoner with multiple incarcerations and parole violations)  
- Rita Stein (Stein’s sister)  
- Marie Martin (Rita’s cousin)  
- Eric Galt (Ray’s alias, also referred to as BRIC STARVO GAIN)  
- George Wallace (ex-governor of Alabama, target of voter registration efforts)  

Key Locations:  
- 1535 North Serrano Avenue (Los Angeles, California) – Ray’s residence  
- Kansas City, Missouri – James Wilson Brown’s murder case  
- New Orleans, Louisiana – Ray’s alleged trips to meet associates  
- Los Angeles, California – FBI investigations and Stein’s residences (e.g., 3340 Floyd Terrace)  
- Arizona – Ray’s tire purchase during travel  
- St. Francis Hotel (Hollywood, California)  
- Sultan Room (Hollywood, California)  
- Jefferson City, Missouri (Circuit Court)  

Key Events:  
- FBI tracking of James Earl Ray’s movements in Los Angeles (1967–1968).  
- Investigation into Ray’s alleged purchase of a 1966 Mustang and connections to mail-order houses.  
- Review of Ray’s correspondence with the American-Southern Africa Council and John Birch Society.  
- FBI interview with Charles Stein detailing Ray’s trip to New Orleans, voter registration activities for George Wallace’s American Independent Party, and mention of a suitcase potentially linked to MLK’s assassination.  
- Walter E. Nolan’s parole hearings, disciplinary actions, and institutional assignments (1963–1968).  
- James Wilson Brown’s 1960 murder conviction and incarceration.  
- Johnny Velanti’s 1959 armed robbery arrest and sentencing.  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – St. Louis field office, Los Angeles investigations  
- Missouri Department of Corrections – Walter E. Nolan’s records  
- American Independent Party – voter registration efforts for George Wallace  
- American-Southern Africa Council  
- John Birch Society  
- Los Angeles Police Department  
- Kansas City, Missouri Police Department

MLK Declassified Files

44-sl-775_742351_04-01-part_1_of_9.pdf

Document Summary

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