</s>SL: #44-775 After leaving Clarence, he went alone to St. Louis where he had various employment. He was employed as a service station attendant for the Site Gasoline Station on Lemay Ferry Road. He stated he owned an old store building with sleeping rooms upstairs, that he rented, operated a second hand store, and a dry cleaning store. He sold this property in St.Louis and bought the small acreage at Center, Missouri, last September (1967). He added he is drawing social security and is retired. He stated that he does no approve of subject's actions, is afraid of him, and what the publicity is doing to his daughter, CAROL, and her family. He stated that if he should hear anything about the subject's whereabouts he will advise the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations in 1968 focused on individuals linked to James Earl Ray (JER), the alleged assassin of Martin Luther King Jr. Key figures include Jerry Raynes, JER’s stepfather, who claimed he had not seen JER in 17 years and feared for his safety. Carol Pepper, Raynes’ daughter, was connected to FBI inquiries involving phone calls from a tavern in St. Louis and financial transactions tied to JER’s post-release activities. J.D. Daily, alleged to have harbored JER after his prison escape, denied involvement but remained under scrutiny. The FBI also investigated John Larry Ray, who had financial ties to Pepper and was linked to illicit activities such as drug sales. Investigations included tracking property transfers, car rentals, and inmate interactions at Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP), where JER was incarcerated. Legal actions involving Circuit Judge John C. Casey were referenced in the context of motions related to suspects’ whereabouts. A separate case mentioned "Casey" cooperating with the Bureau but lacking information on POCAM, a code name or entity, with recommendations for delayed action and confidentiality under Executive Order 14176 (declassified 2025).  

Key People  
- **Jerry Raynes**: Stepfather of James Earl Ray; reported fear of JER and lack of knowledge about his whereabouts.  
- **Carol Pepper**: Daughter of Jerry Raynes; linked to phone calls from a tavern in St. Louis and financial transactions involving John Larry Ray.  
- **James Earl Ray (JER)**: Suspect in MLK’s assassination; under investigation for financial activities, prison interactions, and alleged connections to criminal networks.  
- **John Larry Ray**: Financial associate of Carol Pepper; linked to drug sales, travel plans, and property purchases.  
- **J.D. Daily**: Alleged to have harbored JER post-prison escape; sought parole for a tuberculosis-infected inmate.  
- **Robert Lynn Powell** and **Walter E. Nolan**: Fellow inmates of JER at MSP; investigated for potential ties to the case.  
- **Circuit Judge John C. Casey**: Involved in legal proceedings regarding suspects’ cases, including motions to dismiss or vacate charges.  

Key Locations  
- **New London, Missouri**: Jerry Raynes’ residence under surveillance; red Plymouth car observed near his property.  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Location of the tavern operated by Carol Pepper and FBI headquarters for investigative activities.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee (MSP)**: Site of JER’s incarceration and release; referenced in prison records and inmate interactions.  
- **San Francisco, California** and **Tijuana, Mexico**: Mentioned in Raynes’ travel plans and alleged criminal activity.  
- **Fort Worth, Texas** and **Portageville, Missouri**: Locations tied to phone calls linked to suspects.  
- **Memphis, Arkansas**: Telephone number investigation referenced in the case.  

Key Events  
- FBI interviews with Jerry Raynes regarding JER’s whereabouts and potential involvement in MLK’s assassination.  
- Investigation into phone calls from Carol Pepper’s tavern in St. Louis and financial transactions involving John Larry Ray.  
- Surveillance of Jerry Raynes’ property in New London, Missouri, and tracking of a red Plymouth car.  
- Review of prison records at MSP to assess JER’s interactions with inmates like Robert Lynn Powell and Walter E. Nolan.  
- Legal proceedings involving Circuit Judge John C. Casey, including motions related to suspects’ cases.  
- FBI assessments labeling suspects as “armed and dangerous” with potential risks of public unrest.  
- Case management discussions regarding POCAM (code name or entity) under confidentiality measures until 2025.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted interviews, phone call investigations, car rental checks, and prison record reviews.  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP)**: Site of JER’s incarceration and release; referenced in inmate interaction analyses.  
- **Manufacturers Bank** and **Jefferson Gravous Bank**: Financial institutions involved in JER’s post-release transactions.  
- **St. Louis Globe Democrat**: Reported as a source of information on John Ray’s activities.  
- **U.S. Government**: Governed case management under Executive Order 14176 (declassified 2025).

MLK Declassified Files

44-sl-775_742351_05-02-part_2_of_6.pdf

Document Summary

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