Investigation
of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
Alternative Considerations of Jonestown & Peoples
Temple
http://jonestown.sdsu.edu
Editorial note: The following reports on the weapons found in Jonestown are memos from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, U.S. Department of the Treasury to the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the FBI in San Francisco. The memos track the ownership of 36 weapons found in the possession of Peoples Temple, most of which were recovered in Jonestown.
The reports include a five-page memo dated 12 December 78, a four-page follow-up dated 2 January 1979, and a single page wrapping up the investigation dated 16 January 1979.
The opening paragraph of the first memo, as well as the final paragraph of the narrative before the listing begins, refers to “176” firearms found in Jonestown (although the memo’s second reference includes the caveat of “presumably found”). The larger number comes from former – mostly disaffected – members of Peoples Temple, who alleged that guns were being smuggled into Guyana in shipping crates with false bottoms. According to a Customs Service report from 1977 – which was then turned over to INTERPOL, the international police agency, and then eventually to the people of Jonestown – one former Temple member “stated that she had over 170 … weapons stored at her house… [and that] the weapons were subsequently taken to Guiana [Guyana] via chartered aircraft out of Miami.” The same report also states that “in 1974 JONES had put out an appeal for all unregistered weapons his people could acquire,” an allegation which is repeated in the second paragraph of the memo below.
Nevertheless, the list of weapons which the State Department turned over to ATF for investigation had only 32 entries, and the first memo below summarizes the results of the agency’s search for records of ownership for those 32 weapons.
The second ATF memo reported that, “there was no evidence to date of any violation of laws under ATF jurisdiction and that ATF had no reason to continue the investigation.” The second memo lists no additional weapons which were still being investigated or the status of which was still pending. The final memo comes to a similar conclusion and recommends that “this investigation be closed.”
As a result, then, as far as this website has been able to ascertain, the size of the Jonestown arsenal was about 32 weapons.
It is noteworthy that the list includes no machine guns, despite initial reports to the contrary.
According to Raven, by Tim Reiterman and John Jacobs (New York: E.P.Dutton, Inc., 1982), “a Remington Model 700 .308 caliber bolt action rifle” was used to assassinate Leo Ryan. Jack Beam, Sr., acquired the weapon in San Francisco on October 31, 1977, “about two months after custom halted its investigation.” That weapon does appear on the first list as entry number 30.
The text of the memos includes original spellings, such as the repetitive use of “People’s Temple” (in fact, the organization was known as “Peoples Temple”). Other known misspellings are followed by the correction in brackets. The numerous deletions refer to names and identifying information of individual Temple members who were licensed to own the guns, to former Temple members who assisted ATF, and to investigators from federal agencies.
These memo were released under the Freedom of Information Act.
Department of the Treasury – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
Report on Investigation (Criminal Enforcement)
To: Special Agent in Charge
San Francisco, California
Date: 12/12/78
On November 24, 1978, this Agent was assigned by the SAC, San Francisco, to participate in a Customs, FBI, ATF Task Force to investigate any possible inquiries as to People’s Temple. ATF’s role is to support the above Task Force by tracing the 176 firearms found in Jonestown and attempt to find the source of the firearms.
On November 22, 1978, [name deleted], U.S. Customs, was contacted and advised this agent that they have been investigating the People’s Temple for approximately two years for various Customs violations. He then informed this Agent that Customs had received information that on at least one occasion the People’s Temple had requested that the members give unregistered firearms to the church. According to the information, members of the church purchased guns and then turned them over to the church.
On November 24, 1978, [name deleted], Customs Representative for Interpol, was contacted after a request was made from Customs and FBI for a trace of the firearms. [name deleted] has sent a request to the Guyana Government for a discription [description] of the firearms.
On November 27, 1978, Special Agent [name deleted], ATF Liaison, Washington, D.C., was contacted and a request made that this office contact the State Department, who has set up a Task Force. According to information received, all gun information is to be turned over to ATF.
On November 27, 1978, S/A [name deleted] contacted the FBI Representative to the State Department and requested a list of guns found in Jonestown. Also, a request was made for the list of names of the persons found dead in Jonestown.
On November 28, 1978, a list of 32 guns was received from the State Department, and a trace was started.
On November 28, 1978, S/A [name deleted], FBI, San Francisco, was contacted and allowed this agent to review their files pertaining to the People’s Temple. S/A [name deleted] provided three names of ex-members that should be contacted by ATF. According to [name deleted], these persons have pertinent information pertaining to firearms obtained by the People’s Temple. They are [names deleted], all are residents of San Francisco. [line deleted] and are unavailable for interviews without the attorney’s permission.
Attempts have been made to talk to [name deleted] without success, repeated messages are being left.
On November 29, 1978, FBI released a list to ATF of 967 People’s Temple members who traveled to Guyana with Jim Jones. This list will be used to compare the names of People’s Temple members who might have purchased firearms.
On December 4, 1978, this Agent received from the SAC a partial list of the guns found in Guyana, the list contained 31 firearms found. ATF Tracing had traced 8 of the firearms.
On December 5, 1978, this Agent interviewed [name deleted, likely Jeannie Mills aka Deanna Mertle] of the Freedom House, [address deleted], Berkeley, California reference firearms and explosives. The interview revealed [name deleted, likely Mills] is an ex-member of People’s Temple and that she defected from the church and set up the Freedom House in order to help any other members who wanted to defect. The staff of the Freedom House conducted interviews with ex-members and provided safe houses. They were also a watch dog over the temple attempting to get local, State and Federal enforcement interested in what they considered the illegal activities of the church.
[name deleted] she has talked to [name deleted], who had defected in August 1978. [name deleted], according to [name deleted], was knowledgeable about the guns purchased by the People’s Temple, however she was only being interviewed through her attorney [name deleted], San Francisco.
On December 6, 1978, [name deleted] was interviewed and had nothing of interest related to firearms.
From December 4, 1978 through December 11, 1978, the following traces of 31 firearms that were received from the AFT [ATF] Liaison via the State Department of 176 guns presumably found at the People’s Temple encampment at Jonestown, Guyana. The following are the firearms:
1. Smith & Wesson, revolver, 4” barrel, .38 special, serial number C911747, traced to a [name deleted], city unknown, DOB: [identifying information deleted], OCA 16159, Date of Transfer March 10, 1973.
2. Walter [Walther] Automatic Pistol, PPK Model, 9mm serial number 138188S, licensed to [name deleted], Redwood Valley, Ukiah, California. [name deleted] is an attorney [last line cut off by photocopying].
3. Smith & Wesson, revolver, 2” barrell [barrel], 5 shot, .38 caliber, serial number 273666, registered to [name deleted, probably Mike Prokes], Redwood Valley, Ukiah, California. He is the ex-newsman and public relations officer for the People’s Temple and a member of the security force. DOB: [identifying information deleted] OCA A16613, Date of Transfer April 3, 1974.
4. Sturm-Ruger, 10/22 carbine rifle, serial number 116-53921, registered to [name deleted], San Francisco, California. DOB: [identifying information deleted]. Date of Transfer March 15, 1977. Purchased from Bob Chow’s Gun Shop, San Francisco. Known temple member - persumed [presumed] dead.
5. Liberty, No. 21 revolver, .22 caliber, serial number 48805, registered to [name deleted], California, DOB: [identifying information deleted] Date of Transfer December 13, 1969. Known temple member - presumed dead.
6. Sturm-Ruger, revolver, .357 caliber, 4” barrel, serial number 158-12987, registered [name deleted], Redwood Valley, Ukiah, California. DOB: [identifying information deleted] Date of Transfer April 25, 1972 from Yokayo Rifle Shop, Ukiah.
7. Ruger Automatic Pistol, .22 long rifle, serial number 13-11054, registered to [name deleted], Redwood Valley, Ukiah, California, DOB: [identifying information deleted] Date of Transfer June 28, 1975, sold by Rod’s Liquor and Sprots [Sports], Ukiah. Known temple member - presumed dead.
8. Winchester Rifle, .243 caliber, serial number 72-24208, registered to [name deleted], Redwood Valley, Ukiah, California, DOB: [identifying information deleted] Date of Purchase March 9, 1977. She is [identifying information deleted] People’s Temple. She picked up the gun and ammunition the day before leaving for Guyana. [name deleted] of Yokayo Rifle Shop, where the gun was purchased, taught her how to shoot the weapon and advised he knew it was going to Guyana.
9. Browning Slide Action Carbine, .30-06 caliber, serial number 75866M9, registered to [name deleted], San Francisco, California, DOB: [identifying information deleted] Date of Purchase September 16, 1969 from Roos-Atkins, San Francisco. Known temple member - presumed alive.
10. Sears & Roebuck, Model 54, .30-30 caliber, serial number 273810, registered to [name deleted], San Francisco, California, DOB: [identifying information deleted] Date of Transfer August 22, 1977, OCA 0480700.
11. H&R Model 922, 9 shot revolver, .22 caliber, serial number K8657, no state or Federal records for this period of time, manufactured in 1950, to Crown Jewelry, Mazoola [Missoula], Montana.
12. [cut off by photocopy]
13. Smith & Wesson revolver, 6” barrel, .38 caliber, serial number S820402, to Universal Hardward [Hardware], Los Angeles, California on April 2, 1946, no records available.
14. Olin Winchester Signal Flare Launcher, .25mm, serial number 029432, no model number - unable to check.
15. Colt Automatic Pistol, .25 caliber, serial number 318752, sold to Montana Hardware, Butte, Montana 1922, no records.
16. Winchester, Model 88 Rifle, .308 caliber, serial number 82976, firearm manufactured in 1959, no disposition records kept by Winchester.
17. U.S. Army Carbine M-1 Model, .30 caliber, serial number 3094280, military weapon - military has no record of this firearm.
18. Remington Model 742, .30-06 caliber, serial number 15824, date of manufacture was 1952 - no records available prior to 1957.
19. Western Field Model 880A, slide action rifle, .22 long rifle, no serial number - unable to trace firearm without serial number.
20. Remington, Model 742 carbine, .308 caliber, serial number 46316, date of manufacture was 1955 - no records available prior to 1957.
21. Winchester, .30-30 caliber saddle gun, serial number 36519, no long gun records prior to 1968 - unable to trace.
22. Remington, Model 11 Shotgun, .12 gauge, serial number 773398, discontinued in 1942 - no records available.
23. Remington, Wingmaster, .12 gauge Shotgun, Model 870, serial number S946514M, [name deleted], California, DOB: [identifying information deleted], POB: [identifying information deleted], CA number H0588466, Date of Transfer March 22, 1975 from Yokayo Rifle Shop, Ukiah.
24. J.C. Higgins, .12 gauge Shotgun, Model 60, no serial number - firearm manufactured by High Standard, no serial number - unable to trace.
25. Foremost .12 gauge, Model 6670H, Savage Arms Company, no serial number - no serial number, unable to trace.
26. Universal Firearms, .12 gauge Shotgun, serial number D3447. Wnet [Went] to Universal Sportings in Miami - business discontinued. Records showed acquisition but no disposition.
27. [cut off by photocopy]
28. Remington, .12 gauge Shotgun, Model 870, serial number T019755M. [name deleted] DOB: [identifying information deleted], Ukiah, California, POB: [identifying information deleted], CA number H0588466, Date of Transfer March 22, 1975 from Willits Feed and Sporting Goods, Willits, California.
A check with AFS/CII, Sacramento, California revealed that [name deleted], spoksman [spokesman] for the People’s Temple has purchased the following handguns: 1. Sturm-Ruger, .357 caliber, serial number 15120167, Date of Transfer February 22, 197[5] 1975, OCA G173064. @ [2]. Smith & Wesson, .38 caliber, revolver, serial number 636J9, Date of Transfer May 10, 1977, OCA F061061. This weapon was licensed to her to carry in a concealable manner. 3. Smith & Wesson, .38 caliber, serial number 13K8953, Date of Transfer September 23, 1977, OCA G803902.
On December 5, 1978, [name deleted] delivered three weapons to the San Francisco Police Department indicating that the weapons were in his possession for a considerable time and belonged to the People’s Temple. The three weapons were: 1. Smith & Wesson, .38 caliber, serial number 636J9, which was registered to [name deleted]. [Ed. note: This weapon was previously listed, in the immediately-preceding paragraph] 2. Sturm-Ruger, Security Six, .357 caliber, serial number 15327760, which was registered [name deleted] San Francisco. Also note: he purchased a Sturm-Ruger, 10/22 carbine rifle, serial number 116-53921 on March 15, 1977. [Ed. note: This weapon was previously listed, as entry 4 above] A check with AFS revealed no other firearms purchased by [name deleted]. The third weapon was a Smith & Wesson, Chief Special, .38 caliber, serial number J142065, registered to [name deleted], San Francisco. A check with AFS revealed no other firearms purchased by [name deleted].
On December 8, 1978 the following trace information was received for the three omitt[ed] omitted from the above list of 32 firearms:
29. Remington, Model 788, .308 caliber rifle, serial number 6110319, shipped to Western Hoegle, Glendale, California on March 30, 1972; then shipped to White Front Store #231, San Francisco, California on July 12, 1972. Company out of business - no records available.
30. Remington Model 700, .308 caliber bolt action rifle, serial number 6742465, shipped to American Arms Company warehouse, Massachusetts, on July 25, 1974; then sold to San Francisco Gun Exchange, San Francisco on September 29, 1974; then sold to [name deleted, likely Jack Beam], Ukiah, California on October 31, 1977. Identified as [identifying information deleted].
31. AR7 Explorer rifle, .22 caliber, serial number 73270, sold to Powderhorn, Burbank, California on April 25, 1966. Out of business - no records available.
This investigation is continuing with interviews of People’s Temple members and various gun dealers.
*****
Department of the Treasury – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
Report on Investigation (Criminal Enforcement)
To: Special Agent in Charge
San Francisco, California
Date: 1/2/79
On December 13, 1978, Group Supervisor [name deleted] and Special Agent [name deleted] and this agent traveled to Ukiah, California to check the FFL records of Yokayo Rifle Shop and to try and determine how many temple members had purchased weapons from this dealer.
[name deleted] of the Yokayo Rifle Shop, told this agent that he was acquainted with several members of the People’s Temple especially [name deleted]. In fact, [line deleted]. He remembers that [name deleted] had asked about various weapons but finally chose a Winchester 243 rifle with scope. She stated it was to be used as a hunting weapon and that she was going to go hunting with her husband. She asked for instructions in the use of the weapon. [name deleted] said he showed her how to use the weapon and that she became familiar with it. [name deleted] then stated the next thing he k new she had quit he job and departed for Guyana. [name deleted] said he could not remember the other temple members names but would recognize them if shown a picture.
[name deleted] then had [name deleted] assist ATF and Customs by going through the Federal Firearms Transaction Records form 4473 and picking out all suspect People’s Temple members.
A list of persons who went to Guyana was used as a reference when comparing the form 4473. This list is not a complete list of Temple members. A number of persons defected [from] the church prior to Guyana. At this time no law enforcement agency has a complete list of all the People’s Temple members. At this time ATF is attempting to compile a list in order to get an accurate determination of weapons purchased.
On December 15, 1978, Group Supervisor [name deleted] advised AUSA [Assistant U. S. Attorney] [name deleted] that ATF was pursuing the firearms purchases and would advise of any violations. [name deleted] stated he would relay and information on firearms violations to ATF. No word has since been received from [name deleted].
On December 21, 1978, Group Supervisor [name deleted] contacted ASA [name deleted] FBI, San Francisco. [name deleted] advised [name deleted] of the information developed to date. He also advised [name deleted] that there was no evidence to date of any violation of laws under ATF jurisdiction and that ATF had no reason to continue the investigation unless the FBI or US Attorney requested specific investigation as a part of the task force effort. [name deleted] indicated that the FBI did have some interest in gun purchase information and would make a specific request in writing.
On December 23, 1978, information was received from Special Agent [name deleted] FBI, that the list of 35 guns received by the State Department and traced by ATF, was all the guns detained by the Guyana officials from Jonestown. The FBI stated that the other guns were presumed lost or stolen by villagers in Guyana after the suicides in Jonestown.
From December 26 through December 30, 1978, ATF has been attempting to develop a list of all the members this requires a tremendous amount of time and effort by comparing lists held by Immigration, FBI, Customs, San Francisco Police Department and the Freedom House.
On December 29, 1978, [name deleted, probably Jeannie Mills] the Freedom House, Berkeley, California was contacted and was interviewed. She has offered their assistance and will help in compiling a list of all members of the church. They will also attempt to identify any persons who may have had false identification.
This agent has quaried [queried] the AFS computer for known temple members who have purchased handguns in California. At this time checks are being made with AFS, Sacramento, California, to determine if any of the suspect “hit squads” or Temple Enforces have purchased firearms. It is also being determined by the AFS checks where the suspect temple members were purchasing the guns.
On January 2, 1979, [name deleted] FBI, San Francisco was contacted and advised that unless ATF was notified in writing that ATF’s assistance was required by the authority of the SAC this investigation would be closed.
Special Agent [name deleted] stated that the FBI would evaluated ATF’s reports and if ATF’s assistance was needed a letter would be forwarded to ATF, San Francisco.
Interviews with [names deleted] defectors of the People’s Temple, will be conducted on January 2, 1979, in Berkeley, California. They will attempt to provide ATF with information as to who may have been purchasing firearms under assumed names.
The list of suspected People’s Temple members who may have purchased firearms and the types of firearms purchased follows. This list is not complete, none has been completely verified as to date.
[Two short lines of identifying information deleted]
1. Highstandard Daringer
Serial Number 2372668
DOT [Date of transaction]: May 26, 1973
[Two short lines of identifying information deleted]
2. Ruger 18/22 Rifle
Serial Number 11199940
DOT: April 20, 1973
[Two short lines of identifying information deleted]
3. Ruger 77
Serial Number 7868941
4. RI Shotgun, 12 gauge
Serial Number 281573
DOT: August 11, 1978
[Two short lines of identifying information deleted]
5. Ruger 77, 234 Rifle
Serial Number 7068995
DOT: January 31, 1973
6. Perita .32 pistol
Serial Number 87650
DOT: December 22, 1972
7. Plainfield carbin [carbine]
Serial Number 155656
DOT: September 4, 1973
8. Plainfield carbin [carbine]
Serial Number 997549
DOT: April 30, 1972
[Two short lines of identifying information deleted]
9. Browning pistol, .22
Serial Number 37907090
DOT: May 30, 1974
[Two short lines of identifying information deleted]
10. Smith & Wesson 38 Super
Serial Number 70606035
DOT: March 30, 1973
11. Colt..25 Automatic
Serial Number GD81273
DOT: March 18, 1973
[Two short lines of identifying information deleted]
12: Ruger 18/22 Rifle
Serial Number 111-51702
DOT: March 4, 1973
13. Smith & Wesson Model 19 357
Serial Number 2K58773
DOT: November 4, 1972
[Two short lines of identifying information deleted]
14. Winchester .22 Rifle
Serial Number 30946
DOT: December 16, 1972
[Two short lines of identifying information deleted]
15. Ruger Security Six Pistol
Serial Number 100-14317
DOT: June 27, 1972
[Two short lines of identifying information deleted]
16. Ruger Security Six Pistol
Serial Number 12987
DOT: April 25, 1972
[Two short lines of identifying information deleted]
17. Browning 7mm Rifle
Serial Number 946587
DOT: May 31, 1974
[Two short lines of identifying information deleted]
18. Plainfield carbin [carbine]
Serial Number 52353
DOT: April 9, 1974
[Two short lines of identifying information deleted]
19.. Plainfield carbin [carbine]
Serial Number 26265
DOT: March 27, 1974
[Two short lines of identifying information deleted]
20. Roger 77 30-06 Rifle
Serial Number 708078
DOT: March 3, 1974
[Two short lines of identifying information deleted]
California Driver’s License [illegible]
21. AR-10
Serial Number [illegible]
DOT: March 19, 1973
[Two short lines of identifying information deleted]
22. Browning Shotgun, .12 gauge
Serial Number 2534A47
DOT: December 13, 1974
[Two short lines of identifying information deleted]
23. Ruger Rifle 243
Serial Number 71-28491
DOT: July 1, 1977
24. Ruger 44 revolver
Serial Number 8282284
DOT: May 18, 1977
25. Ruger 44 revolver
Serial Number 8190667
DOT: April 8, 1977
All of the above listed 25 firearms were found in the records of Yokayo Rifle Shop, Ukiah, California by comparing the 4473 forms with known members of the People’s Temple and possible members living at the Temple in Redwood Valley, Ukiah, California.
*****
Department of the Treasury – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
Report on Investigation (Criminal Enforcement)
To: Special Agent in Charge
San Francisco, California
Date: 1/16/79
From period of 01-02-79 to 01-11-79, efforts were made to meet with [name deleted, probably Jeannie Mills], former member of the People’s Temple, and now organizational head for the Freedom House, Berkeley, California.
On January 11, [name deleted] was interviewed and stated that as far as being able to identify the persons purchasing guns, it was an impossibility to do so. She also stated that it is impossible to determine whether the purchasers of the guns were exempt under the law. She stated that she thought at first she could ask the other ex-members and possibly come up with a list of some sorts. She said that she could produce a list of names not already obtained by ATF or the FBI. Since no further help could be supplied by [name deleted], the interview was terminated.
On January 11, 1979, Special Agent [name deleted] FBI, San Francisco, contacted this agent and asked if a training program could be presented to their office in order to familiarize them in tracing firearms and ATF’s tools used in this type of investigation.
On January 11, 1979, this agent spent four hours with Special Agent [name deleted], FBI, explaining the use of federally licensed dealer records, the Automated Firearms System (CII Sacramento) and the firearms laws enforced by ATF.
Since no further assistance is required by the FBI in tracing the firearms purchased by People’s Temple members, it is requested this investigation by closed.