</s>FBI SAN FRANCISCO 7-11-45 11-46 AM RACESACE ADD - OLIVER BRIDLEY OWEN, WAS, WAS, VICTIM, WSTA. USA, SAN FRANISCO VERY MUCH INTERESTED IN INSTANT CASE BUT CONTENTS FACTS FURNISHED NOT SUFFICIENT IN DETAIL TO GIVE HIM A COMPLETE PICTURE OF JUDICIAL STEPS TAKEN. IN CASE OF APPEAL TO CIRCUIT COURT, TILL PROCEEDINGS AMOUNT TO A RETRIAL WITH RECONSIDERATION OF ALL EVIT- DENCE OR WILL IT BE MERELY A REVIEW OF SENTENCE OF MUNICIPAL COURT. WANTS CERTIFIED COPY OF JUDGEMENT IN MUNINCIPAL COURT AND COPY OF APPEALL MADE ON FEBRUARY TWENTIETH TO CIRCUT COURT, OREGON. HANDLE. PIEPER CORRECTION - FIRST WORD LINE 5 SHOULD BE WILL A AND H SHOULD SECOND LINE READ SAC PORTLAND URGENT RIGHT OK FEI PD AR 31/1/3d 29 FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. U.S ., U. S. UFPAYMENT OF JUSTICE JUL 11 1945 Sectilat PORTI. JULI FILLO OFFICE Seriez: Indexed: Fibod. nell. 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The documents detail FBI investigations into Oliver Bridley Owen (also referred to as "Rev. Jerry Owen," "Harry Roberts") and Jerry O'Han during 1943–1945, focusing on allegations of fraudulent religious activities, potential exploitation of minors, and violations of the White Slave Traffic Act. Key elements include legal proceedings in Portland, Oregon; San Francisco, California; and Tacoma, Washington, involving appeals of municipal court judgments, hotel registration records linking Owen to transient stays with a "victim," and witness accounts describing his alleged associations with minors, fraudulent behavior, and religious exploitation. FBI laboratory analysis of handwriting on registration cards and legal documents revealed discrepancies in authorship. Separate investigations into Jerry O'Han’s ordination status as a minister and eligibility for deferment under the Selective Training and Service Act involved draft board reviews, FBI field agents, and scrutiny of his legal history, including a 1943 disorderly conduct charge. Both cases included efforts to verify religious credentials, locate individuals, and assess potential prosecution under federal statutes.  

Key People:  
- **Oliver Bridley Owen** (also known as "Rev. Jerry Owen," "Harry Roberts") – central subject of the investigation; alleged associations with minors and fraudulent activities.  
- **Mrs. Nina Merrittman** – operator of an interdenominational Christian Girls’ Home in Tacoma, Washington; provided details about Owen’s interactions with minors.  
- **Special Agents**: William E. Gilder (Portland), John J. Bryant (Los Angeles), James W. Booming, and others involved in case reviews.  
- **Jerry O'Han** – subject of Selective Service investigation; claimed ordination by the Bible Broadcasting Company and faced disorderly conduct charges.  
- **Samuel L. Carriner Jr.** – Chairman of Local Draft Board No. 95 (San Francisco).  
- **Reverend W. Offiller** – Pastor of Bethel Temple, Seattle, associated with Owen’s alleged ordination.  
- **Dr. Harriece Brook** – President of Bible Broadcasting Company; referenced in O'Han’s ordination claims.  

Key Locations:  
- **Portland, Oregon** – Primary location for legal proceedings, hotel registrations, and FBI field office activity.  
- **San Francisco, California** – Involved in appellate court processes and draft board reviews.  
- **Tacoma, Washington** – Site of the Interdenominational Christian Girls’ Home and hotel stays linked to Owen.  
- **Houston, Texas** – Mentioned in Rice Hotel records and general delivery addresses.  
- **Los Angeles, California** – Involved in marriage applications and legal documentation requests.  
- **Seattle, Washington** – Bethel Temple Church and Reverend Offiller’s ministry.  

Key Events:  
- **Legal Appeals**: Multiple appeals from municipal courts to circuit courts, with discussions on retrials versus review of sentences.  
- **Hotel Registrations**: Analysis of hotel records (e.g., New Washington Hotel, Winthrop Hotel) showing Owen’s stays with a "victim" and alleged associations.  
- **FBI Laboratory Examination**: Handwriting analysis of registration cards and legal documents to determine authorship.  
- **Witness Statements**: Accounts from hotel staff, religious figures, and informants detailing Owen’s activities, including potential exploitation of minors and fraudulent behavior.  
- **Selective Service Review**: Investigation into Jerry O'Han’s ordination status and eligibility for deferment; discrepancies in his claims led to scrutiny.  
- **Disorderly Conduct Charge**: 1943 arrest in Portland hotel (alleged dismissal) and its impact on O'Han’s draft classification.  

Key Organizations:  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)** – Conducted investigations, laboratory analyses, and coordinated with local authorities.  
- **Municipal Courts** – Portland, Oregon; San Francisco, California – Handled initial legal proceedings and appeals.  
- **United States Department of Justice** – Oversight for federal legal actions under the White Slave Traffic Act.  
- **Local Draft Board No. 95 (San Francisco)** – Reviewed Jerry O'Han’s ordination status and deferment eligibility.  
- **Bible Broadcasting Company** – Mentioned in O'Han’s ordination claims; associated with religious affiliations.  
- **Open Bible Institute, Assembly of God, Bethel Temple, Inc., and Fundamental Christian Association** – Religious organizations linked to Owen’s alleged ordination and activities.

RFK Declassified Files

56-la-156-o_sec_001_ser_1--part_3_of_4.pdf

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