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Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations into potential connections between individuals and James Earl Ray, the primary suspect in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. Roland Chesley Talbott Jr., a former Ku Klux Klan member in Miami, Florida, was interviewed by the FBI on May 24, 1968, where he admitted to sympathizing with individuals responsible for King’s death since April 4, 1968. Talbott, an auto mechanic deemed “armed and dangerous,” was monitored by federal agencies due to his possession of firearms. David Cooperman, linked to a $175 sofa purchase from Suburban Trust Company in Hyattsville, Maryland, was investigated for a check allegedly used by someone resembling Ray. Miss Dawn Miller of Alexandria, Virginia, reported the transaction and provided descriptions of the buyer and his companion. The FBI sought latent fingerprint and handwriting analysis on the check.  

Albert Vadia, a Florida resident observed driving a car with license plate IW94103 on New York Avenue on May 16, 1968, was scrutinized for potential ties to Ray. Wardell Hicks, known as “Bubble Eye” Mason, denied involvement in a contract to kill King during an FBI interview on May 28–29, 1968. The FBI also analyzed U.S. Postal Money Orders linked to Ray, comparing handwriting samples for forensic evidence. A newspaper article from *The Evening Star* dated May 29, 1968, referenced public speculation about the FBI’s role in the investigation.  

Passport records for individuals associated with Rhodesia were reviewed by the FBI on May 29, 1968, but no matches to Ray were found. A fingerprint examination of a check specimen (Q1) concluded it did not match Ray’s prints. The FBI also explored DMV records for driver’s licenses and learner permits in Washington, D.C., involving cost analysis for processing 50,000 permits.  

Key People  
- Roland Chesley Talbott Jr. (suspect, former KKK member)  
- James Earl Ray (primary suspect in MLK assassination)  
- David Cooperman (linked to sofa purchase tied to check resembling Ray)  
- Miss Dawn Miller (reporter of transaction involving Cooperman)  
- Albert Vadia (Florida resident observed driving car with license plate IW94103)  
- Wardell Hicks (“Bubble Eye” Mason, unemployed with prison history)  
- Robert D. Ashland (FBI Special Agent in Charge)  
- Joseph Charamante (FBI agent involved in interviews)  
- Carol Honsa (reporter who described a man resembling Ray at a conference)  

Key Locations  
- Miami, Florida (Talbott’s residence and employment)  
- Hyattsville, Maryland (Suburban Trust Company)  
- Alexandria, Virginia (Miss Miller’s address)  
- Washington, D.C. (DMV, FBI offices, Shoreham Hotel)  
- Memphis, Tennessee (FBI field office reference)  
- Fullerton, California; Coral Gables, Florida; Jasper, Texas (addresses of individuals listed)  

Key Events  
- FBI investigation into threats against Robert F. Kennedy following MLK’s assassination  
- Interview of Roland Talbott Jr., who admitted sympathy for King’s assassins  
- Tracking of David Cooperman and analysis of check transaction tied to James Earl Ray  
- Forensic examination of U.S. Postal Money Orders linked to Ray  
- FBI review of passport records for individuals associated with Rhodesia  
- Investigation into Albert Vadia’s car and potential ties to Ray (May 16, 1968)  
- Interview of Wardell Hicks regarding alleged contract to kill MLK (May 28–29, 1968)  
- Compilation of “Friends of Rhodesia” list by travel consultants (May 15, 1968)  
- Public speculation and media coverage of FBI’s role in the MLK assassination case  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Ku Klux Klan (KKK)  
- United Klans of America, Inc. (referenced in appendices)  
- U.S. Postal Service (money order investigation)  
- Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)  
- Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, D.C.)  
- Capital Press Club (conference where a suspect was reportedly observed)  
- Travel Consultants (Rhodesia-related inquiries)

MLK Declassified Files

44-wfo-703_742153_10-01-part_2_of_4.pdf

Document Summary

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