Serial 371

[Editor’s note: The subject of this serial whose name is deleted is Jeanette Kerns. The deleted information from the memorandum – designated by brackets – which is known to the editor has been indicated by red type.]

0 240042Z NOV 78
FM LOS ANGELES (89-436) (P) (3)
TO [handwritten word] DIRECTOR WASHINGTON (ROUTINE)
TO SAN FRANCISCO (89-250) ROUTINE
BT
UNCLAS
RYMUR, 00: SAN FRANCISCO.

Re Portland teletype to Bureau, et al, November 21, 1978.

On November 22, 1978, [name and address withheld, identifying Jeanette Kerns], Long Beach, California, confirmed she was member of People’s Temple from 1971-1974, and that also members are her mother, Ellen Louise Kerns, age 48, and sister, Carol Ann Kerns, age 19, who were both victims in Guyana suicide.

[Jeanette Kerns] lived at People’s Temple owned dormitory while attending Santa Rosa, California, Junior College with about 35 to 40 other members between 1971-1973.

Firearms training conducted weekly six to seven miles north of Redwood [Valley], California, in deserted area using pistols and

PAGE TWO (LA 89-436) UNCLAS

rifles although [Kerns] denies ever firing weapon or seeing weapons actually fired. [Kerns] stated she did not know storage area but did see weapons displayed at the training. People’s Temple defectors Jack and Cindy Beam (husband and wife) of Ventura, California, telephone number 805-642-1730, were on People’s Temple Planning Commission and Jack Beam has permit to carry gun.

[Kerns] advised all staff members of Peoples Temple including herself were required to write letters admitting bizarre criminal, sexual or drug activity and these letters were kept on file by James Jones[‘] executive assistant, Linda Amiss [Amos] at unknown Redwood Valley location.

[Kerns] worked on staff for People’s Temple treasurer Mike Cartmel [Cartmell] who has defected from People’s Temple and lived in San Francisco area. Cartmell appeared on “Good Morning, America” television program a.m. on November 20 or 21, 1978. [Kerns] advised average take from offerings at People’s Temple meetings was $50,000.00 per week and she is unaware of use or disposition of these funds.

PAGE THREE (LA 89-436) UNCLAS

[Kerns] advised that according to press reports Peoples Temple member Larry Layton arrested in Guyana and his sister is People’s Temple defector Debbie Blakely [Blakey], who can be reached in care of another People’s Temple defector Grace Stoen, ex-wife of Tim Stoen, at telephone number 415-731-5805 and 415-844-1773.

Additional defectors identified by [Kerns] in Los Angeles will be interviewed if deemed appropriate after evaluation of additional information.

San Francisco area leads being left to discussion of office of origin.

FD-302 follows.

BT