[Editor’s note: One of the subjects of this serial whose name is deleted is former Indianapolis Star reporter Carolyn Pickering. The deleted information from the memorandum – designated by brackets – which is known to the editor has been indicated by red type.]
0 180133Z DEC 78
FM INDIANAPOLIS (89-191) (P)
TO DIRECTOR PRIORITY
SAN FRANCISCO (89-250) PRIORITY
BT
UNCLAS
RYMUR, 00: SF
Re SF tel to IP 12/14/78.
[information identifying Carolyn Pickering withheld], contacted today and advised that she did a series of articles in 1972 regarding Rev. Jimmy Jones and the Peoples Temple. She did a follow-up article in August, 1977, and is obtaining copies of all of her articles and will make them available tomorrow, Tuesday, 12/19/78. [Pickering] had no information regarding mass suicides, murders of public officials, hit lists regarding newspaper persons, other than the fact that brainwashed former PT members, supposedly were fearful of their lives. [Pickering] stated the series of articles originated from a [name deleted], Indianapolis, who had two daughters who supposedly were captivated by some minister preaching witchcraft. IP has already interviewed [name deleted] as well as her two daughters.
PAGE TWO IP 89-181 UNCLAS
For further information of San Francisco and the Bureau, [name deleted] has been hired as a privately retained counsel for [name deleted] of Indianapolis, Indiana. [name deleted] is a [employment withheld] in Greenwood, Indiana, and has business office at [address deleted], Greenwood, In., tel no. [Deleted]. [name deleted] initially concerned regarding [name deleted] possible role as subject of a criminal investigation and was assured that [name deleted] was cooperative and was being considered a potential witness and was not at this time in any manner being considered a subject of any criminal prosecution. [name deleted] aware of consensual monitoring device and is receptive and cooperative. [name deleted] is scheduled to meet at FBI office, Indianapolis, on 12/19/78, with case agent in this matter and IP supervisor. IP indices negative re [name deleted].
Bureau and San Francisco will be kept aware of results.
Indianapolis will summarize results of [Carolyn Pickering] news articles and results will be furnished.
Armed and dangerous; suicidal tendencies.
BT