180-10072-10276 JFK Assassination System Date: 9/21/201 Identification Form Agency Information AGENCY: HSCA RECORD NUMBER: — 180-10072-10276 RECORD SERIES: | NUMBERED FILES. AGENCY FILENUMBER: 008140 Document Information ORIGINATOR: HSCA FROM: DEA TO: TITLE : DATE: 05/08/1978 PAGES: 8 SUBJECTS : HEMMING, C.P. POLITICAL & SUBVERSIVE ACTIVITIES. DEA, FILES. DOCUMENT TYPE: OUTSIDE CONTACT REPORT. CLASSIFICATION : — Unclassified RESTRICTIONS: 3 CURRENT STATUS: — Redact DATE OF LASTREVIEW: 09/27/1996 OPENING CRITERIA : COMMENTS : Box 149. v9.1 ] HY 50955 DBoctd: 322745716 Page i
HY 0955 > Jocument I.D. Koromaeg | G. (i - Cry comwell) INDEX copy TO Robert Biakes a aes lie yates sek Billings Tanya Hess Cliff Fenton Mike Ewing Team #1 Team #2 a Team #3 “Se. _ Team #4 — A Team#5 , Special Instructions: Form #2 Doctd: 32245218 Page 2
HW 50955 Docld:32245218 Page 3 rt. Il. Tit. KING or KENNEDY (Circle one) OUTSIDE CONTACT REPORT 008140 parr May 5 TIME Identifying Information: | 7 a , a wo Name DEA Telephone Address a . _ 7 _ | . fype of Contact: | ‘Telephone an _. “38% person _ Summary of Contact: Attached find copy of Summary of Hemming files reviewed - at. DEA Recommended Follow-up (if any): . : Smtr aMcCluded tu Hermenedey ~itheiss Govte_ Signature: DNkd
, 2/16/78 P.M.ORR HEMMING FILES -~- DEA SUMMARY C) During the course of an investigation of Benton F. Thomas, DEA undercover agents were also able .to work up a case against Hemming based: on Hemming's presence at three meetings where plans for smuggling cocaine were discussed. Hemming was arrested August 23, 1976 and found gulity of conspiracy to smuggle cocaine and marijuana on November 23, 1977. | Part of Hemming's defense was an attempt to show that Hemming was actually working in ,cooperation with the DEA, naming Lucien Conein as his contact. Conein documented his contacts with Hemming, which began in May 1975, when Hemming just "showed up" at Conein's office with information on drug- trafficking. During the WerBebl-Nardi trial in September 1976, Hemming visited Conein daily while Conein was hospitalized with a stroke. He passed a "resume" to Conein before Conein's departure from Miami, which contained "code words, cryptonyms, and pseudonyms" unknown to Conein, in an effort to make it appear. that he had a prior .contact relationship with the DEA through Conein. Unfortunately, the Hemming file did not include a copy of the above-referenced "resume." Investigative reports show that Hemming may have obtained the contraband while on a mission of mercy to Honduras sponsored by Soldier of Fortune magazine, then smuggled the narcotics to the U.S. in a DC-3. The narcotics allegedly came. from Colombia. From the files it appears that Hemming is mainly interested in arms-smuggling, while Thomas was more directly involved. in narcotics. OC (Hemming only attended three of the twenty meetings. with Thomas and DEA undercover agents). The undercover agents were also able to obtain hackground information on Hemming, Thomas and their operations such as the following: 7 -- Hemming claimed to be part of a larger “organization" and have excellent connections in Latin America. He said 99% of the money and equipment going to Colombia was actually used to combat guerilla activity. Since Congress would never condone aid to South American countries earmarked toward the settling of internal conflicts, asistance must therefore be ostensibly provided for narcotic interdiction, but actually used for other purposes. High government officials in South America receive bribes to protect major drug traffickers. The “head man" in a country neighboring Colombia is directly involved in facilitating drug smuggling, according to Hemming. Thomas said the smuggling organization was semi-military in nature and organized along military lines. -- Hemming and Thomas, who met in the Belgian Congo where they both served as soldiers-of-fortune, work for Techpol Security, ostensibly a detective agency which also specializes in wiretapping, reportedly for black- mail purposes. Those with connections to this organization include: Robert Rebozo, Alfredo Durant, C) a Major Zamora of Miami City PD, and Anselmo Aliegro, long-time associate of Hemming. ~- Other associates of Hemming mentioned in the file include Howard K. Davis (noted in an investigative HW 50955 DBDocld:32245716 Page 4
HEMMING -~_DEA FILES SUMMARY — page 2 C) report of Anthony Acceturo) and Mitchell WerBell. ~~ Allegedly the source for the narcotics is Carlos Caraballo of Miami. -- Thomas is reportedly an associate of every major smuggler in the South Florida area and an associate of Carl Louis Coppola. Hemming files also identify two "former DEA agents... now employed by another U.S. government agency" as and Thomas_Briggs. Other information (source not now recalled) indicates had been with the CIA.in the early '60's. O HY 50955 Doctd: 322745716 Page 5
OC O HY 0955 GERALD PATRICK HEMMING FILES'‘OF THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION MAIN COMPUTER PRINTOUT: FILE # FILE # "12/75 Subject suspect of illegal activity under guise of mercy missions to Latin America. Subject rented DC-3 aircraft twice during December 1975. 12/75 GI subject and Benton plan to smuggle 15 tons marijuana from CB to HD via A/C and then to us by ship. 01/76 GI subject present during negotiations between Behton F. Thomas and special agent on 1/9/77, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., re 6 KG cocaine. 06/76 GI per confidential informant, subject ised mercy flights to HD to smuggle 5 tons marijuana to U.S. 09/76 GI subject arrested 8/23/76, Miami, Fla., for smuggling cocaine. AP on 8/20/76 Ins/Tecs L/O 176-0813 placed on subject req. GI. 12/77 Subject found guilty by Federal jury, Miami, Fla., 11/23/77 of GI conspiracy to smuggle cocaine and marijuana. (GI - 75 0285)" 75-0285 dated 2-1-77 to ----- Defendant position; status report for Benton F. Thomas. Involved with Benton Franklin Thomas, DOM 9/2/25. Joseph Thomas Olivetti. DOB 11/4/33. for cocaine/marijuana smuggling. Any questions - contact S/A Robert G. Fredericks at FPYS 820-4900, Teletype 19 Aug 77 Re: Benton Thomas - as per instructions of Ausa Shrouse, || and Thomas Briggs, fromer DEA employees and now employed by another U.S. government agency, are needed for trial in the above referenced case, pre-trial scheduled for 8/22/77. Teletype 17 Aug 77 Re: Hemming - Sherouse instructs that Lucien Conein will be necessary for trial in the above case. Teletype 17 Aug 77 Re: Hemming - Sherouse instructs that S?A? John Andrejko will be necessary for trial in the above case. 75-0285 dated 11-22-75 to 1-30-77 Memo 6/16/76 from David W. Costa (DEA) to Phillip R. Smith, requesting Conein document all past contacts with Hemming. Advises against future contacts with HEmming.' Letter 9/16/76 from Davis W. Costa to US Attorney Robert W. Rust, Re: Hemming - Advises Hemming defendant in DEA conspiracy case then pending trial. Advises Conein an employee of DEA's office of intelligence at Washington, DC. Conein recently in MIami under subpoena as a defense witness in the Mitchell Werbell trial. Conein became ill during the trial and was hospitalized as reflected in attached documents, defendent Hemming visited Conein while he was in the hospital. As Mr. Conein was boarding a flight to return to Washington, defendent Hemming approached him and gave him a document which appears to be a resume of Hemming's activities over the past several years. BDoclda: 322745718 Page 6
co © HY 0955 HEMMING FILES -- DEA -- cont'd page 2 Conein staes that receipt of the document was a complete surprise to him. AUSA Ferguson advised DEA 9/16/76 that Hemming's defense counsel has stated that HEmming has been cooperating with Conein and this alleged cooperation will be a part of Hemming defense. Affidavit of Lucien Conein re: Hemming . From March 74 to August 74, Conein acting Chief of Special Operations and Field Support Staff, Office of Intelligence, DEA. Hemming never employed by Special Operartions and Field Support Staff of Office of Intelligence, DEA. Conein never authorized funds or signed vouchers to pay Hemming. Never solicited information or gave Hemming missions, tasks, etc. May 1975 Hemming appeared at DEA Headquarters. Conein brought him to his office, where he learned Hemming wanted to give some information on narcotic drug trafficking. Wanted tto discuss Miami-Carribean area. SA Briggs, brought in for Hemming debriefing. Hemming's appearance at DEA at this time unsolicited by Conein or staff. Conein did not see or talk to Hemming again until after hospitalization in Miami's VA Hospital for stroke on September 3, 1976. Everyday after hospitalization Conein visited by HEmming. Told Conein on 9/4/76 that Werbell found not guilty. Told Conein on 93/5 that WerBell returned to Georgia and said that WerBell said he was not going to get himself involved in any other adventures. On 9/6 Hemming asked how his brother could apply for a position with DEA. Conein said he would have to apply through the Miami regional office. Asked GPH to write his brother's name and address in his address book. Hemming asked if he had read the latest Soldier of Fortune magazine. Visits on 9/7 and 9/8 discussed Soldier of Fortune. On 9/9/76 Mattocks took Conein to airport for trip to Washington. Hemming came up to him and gave him an envelope saying, "Here's a resume for you." Conein surprised Hemming knew time of his departure. Conein thanked him, assuming the resume pertained to his brother. Conein read resume, doesn't understand why it was given to him. Contains code words, crytponyms, pseudonyms used by Hemming which are unfamiliar, never used by Conein's staff, not part of intelligence reports submitted to Special Operations and Field Support staff of Office of Intelligence from March 74 to August 76 when staff function abolished. (file did not include a copy of the Hemming "resume"). Copy of page from address book with name of Robert Hemming. Letter 9/16/76 to "Colonel" from Hemming re: application to DEA by Robert Hemming. Internal memo 9/17/76 from Irvin C. Swank to David Costa re: Hemming passport - current passport PPT # F1904724 issued 9/23/74 Miami. Valid thru 9/22/74. Previous passport #G234~-934, expired March 13, 1971. BDoclda: 322745718 Page 7
HEMMING FILES -- DEA -- cont'd page 3 Passport apllication reveals: Travel plans to depart 9/29/74 to C) Dominican Republic and Bhhamas for 14 days on business. No information re: previous trips. Plans other trips abroad within one year. ~- DEA case report of Robert G. Fredericks. 8/9/76. Meeting at Stumpy's Cocktail Lounge 1/7/76 with Thomas and DRA agents. Discussion of delivery of cocaine and marijuana. Meeting 1/9 with Thomas and DEA, plus Hemming. Discussed delivery of cocaine. Meeting 1/13/76 with SA's Williams, Fredericks with Benton Thomas and Hemming. Thomas said Hemming close associate in smuggling operation. Meeting 1/19/76 with Herbert Williams, Fredericks meet Thomas at Mama Lou's Restaurant. Meetings in March not attended by Hemming except on 3/31. Thomas and Hemming meet SA's Frederick and Armando Marin to discuss delivery of 3 KG's cocaine, 25 tons marijuana. 2 A Meetings from March to August 1976 not attended by Hemming except 8/23/76 in meeting with Thomas, Olivetti, Jack Dean Cline, when all were arrested. 19 meetings total between Thomas and SA's. ~~ Miscellaneous: Source of supply for Benton Thomas ~ Carlos Caraballo. -~ Investigative report on Benton Thomas et al 7/23/76 - Michael Rebozo name mentioned (nephew of Bebe) Confidential informant C) stated that about 1977 he, Mike Malloy and Rebozo terminated dealings with Robert Caivano (suicide 5/26/74) because Caivano had become a "rip-off artist" involving people in these deals who carried guns and threatened violence should anything go wrong. Bill Burgin, Dae County School Investigator feels Rebozo still engaging in some illegal activity. Appears at times with unusual large sums of cash. Richbourg Fisheries a "Trafficante operation" according to Sgt Mike Jones, Gainsville, P.D. Fish storage business at Cedar Key, Fla. Formerly owned by Frank Merger. Report 6/15/76 by D.L. Greagor (Colorado) During mercy mission to Honduras subsequent to 9/18/74 hurricane,’ members of Parachute Medical Rescue Service PMRS sponsored by Soldier of Fortune magazine under the direction of Hemming and George Speakman. MIssions to parachute personnel into devastated areas of Honduras in order to provide medical attention to people in these inaccessible areas. Source advised G/S Mel B. Ashton and SA D.L.Greagor that Hemming, Speakman, Gilmore Simms,: pilot of DC-3 that made drop actually had little to do with performing mission. Speakman ; Simms, Hemming disappeared with DC-3 for approximately 5 days. These subjects closely associated with Armando Bolet-Suarez. Dr. John Peters, Norwood, Colorado believed to be with others for several days. Believed C) to have smuggled approximately 5 tons of marijuana into the U.S. Report 4/8/76 by Fredericks. Meeting 4/5/76 between SA's Fredericks, A. Marin and Thomas. Frede¢gaks HY 50955 Doctd: 322745716 Page 6
O HY 0955 * HEMMING FILES -- DEA -- cont'd page 4 told Thomas that he was apprehensive about meeting with Hemming because of April 76 Argosy magazine article on Hemming and Miami Herald Tropic Section April 4, 1976 with photo. Notriety could bring attention and compromise transaction. Thomas said he was upset about HEmming's behavior; will keep Hemming in background. Will get another captain for vessel. Hemming knew all about the plan. Hemming recently conned someone out of money as an advance for a book, which resulted in the publicity. Report 4/6/76 by Fredericks. Meeting 3/31/76 with Hemming, Thomas, Fredericks, Marin, unidentified male. Hemming said smuggling organization of which he and Thomas were embers, concerned about security of the operation. Hemming making arrangements to see boat in Panama, which will be used as collateral for $20,000 loan from Fredericks to Thomas. Hemming said he didn't want boat identified becasue Fed agents placed transponders on bottoms of suspect vessels. Hemming didn't feel it was warranted for Fredericks and Marin to see boat. Hemming said boat belonged to "organization! Stressed main consideration for all transactions was security. People "down south" would wait until all details worked out before load would be delivered. Captain had decided job offer involving activities in Africa in order to handle this losd for Thomas and his associates. Hemming warned Thomas against saying too much. Added that at least 50% of crew would be "their people" -- that way they had greater control. Fredericks asked Hemming how he could be sure load wouldn't be seized in S. America. Hemming replied that 99% of money and equipment going to Colombia actually used to combat guerilla activity. Since Congress would never condone aid to S. American countries earmarked toward settling of internal conflicts, assistance must therefore be ostensibly provided for narcotic interdiction, but actually used for other purposes. Hemming said high government officials in South America receive bribes to protect major drug traffickers. Said that "head man in the country neighboring Colombia is directly involved in facilitating drug smuggling. S. American authorities compiling statistics to please U.S. authorities by arresting "f free- lance operators" and seizing their loads. Well connected groups have nothing to fear from L. American authorities. Fredericks inquired as to quality of Hemming's contacts in Latin American government. Hemming replied that they were the best possible. Thomas added that Hemming's connections were good due to Hemming's extensive experience in S. America. Hemming said it would be strictly boat operation. Dummy corporation could be set up to avoid problems if trouble arose and ties between Marin, Frederciks, and Thomas’ $20,000 loan were found. Delivery time 30 days after payment of $20,000. Hemming refused to allow them to meet captain but would look into other ways to reassure Fredericks that plans were going correctly. Report 4/6/76 Meeting 3/26/76 with Fredericks, Williams. Thomas having difficulty with delivery in $80,000 plan. Had a 57 ft vessel in Panama. Boat would hieave Panama fo pick-up 25 tons of marijuana. Needed $20,000 additional to pay captain. Boat worth $65,000.For extra $20,000 from Williams, Thomas would put boat up as collateral. Would pick up at least 3 KG's of cocaine for Williams. The boat would bring the BDoclda: 322745718 Page 9 w 2
HY 0955 HEMMING -- DEA -- cont'd page 5 load to a certain point; Thomas would then retrieve cocaine and smuggle it into U.S. for Vlliams. Thomas arranging for contract to take aerial photographs over Latin America. With legitimate business front, would have no difficulty obtaining necessary State Department visas to travel extensively and fly B23 without arousing official curiousity. SA's believe Costa Rican contact is Morris Clinton Henson, owner of "Vagabond" yacht. Report 4/8/76 p. 6 of 96 Hemming information NADDIS #310145 WWM; DO BO03/01/37; 6'6"; 232 lbs 1121 Jann Ave. Opa Locka, Fla. FH #100 629 E; Miami PD #77255; Key Wst PD #6221 Alleged to be soldier of fortune and arms smuggler; associate of Ienton Thomas; employed by Techpol Security; licensed to carry firearms. Techpol Security: NADDIS #459914 801 Madrid Suite 105 Coral Gables, FL Tel 305/443-9681 446-8379 Employer of Hemming and Thomas Meetings 1/13/76 Thomas, Williams, Fredericks p. /7v Dec. 1975 to date Hemming proto-type "soldier of fortune” has appeared with Thomas at under-cover meetings with DEA agents on 1/13, 1/19/76. Actively involved with Thomas in smuggling venture; believed to be Thomas' associate in running arms and ammunition out of U.S. @. 89) Thomas known associate of Coppola and alleged associate with every major amuggler in South Florida area. Has admitted to DEA under- cover agents that he utiliaes his B25 and boat for snuggling ventures. In addition, believed he and Hemming smuggle arms out of US. Coppola = Carl Louis Coppola) Miscellaneous: bb Carswell - WM - resides in Miami, owners of vessel "Empress III" NADDIS 36-532 for delivery of marijuana to U.S. from Colombia, Investigative report 1/21/76 by Fredericks Re: Thomas Discussion at meeting 1/13/76. Said Thomas'. smuggling organization was semi-military in nature and organized along military lines. Mentioned Jerry Hemming, who Thomas said was a close associate. He met Hemming in. Blgian Congo, when both involved in mercenary activities. Gave business card for Texas Aerial Surveys, Inc. Investigative Report 2/19/76 by Wiliams Re: Thomas , Thomas stated Techpol is a detective agency that specializes in personal bodyguard activities for those who need this type of protection. Indicated that telephone wire intercepts could be made available to U/C agents if needed. Phone # 305/763-2499 published to June Thomas, wife of Benton. BDoclda: 322745718 Page i0
| AW OC O 0955 ¥ ’ HEMMING FILES -— DEA -- cont'd page 6 rer nr aene Search of list of phone ‘calls’ revealed 7 telephone calls to 305/446-8379 published to.Anselmo Aliegro and Roberto Rebozo, 801 Madrid St., Coral Gablés,' FL. ° Techpol detective agency owned by Roberto Rebozo and Miami attorney Alfredo Dutant, specializing in bodyguard activities and special wiretaps, according to a DEA source. Special wire- taps allegedly used to blackmail participants involved in conversation. Source said Eagle Trucking, 290 SW 8th ST, Suite 304, Miami, associated with Techpol, but dummy corporation. Eagle formerly Parabellum Corporation located at 305 Jose Marti Hdg, 290 SW8th St, Miami. Hemming allegedly manager of Eagle Trucking. A City of Miami Police Department Major somewhat connected to Techpol, according to source. Major's name is Zamora - alleged owner of one or 2 other detective agencies. Associates of Techpol frequent Centro Vasco lounge on 2235 S W8th St, Miami, FL Miscellaneous Carlos Caraballo 1395 SW70 Ave Called 3 times Miami Tel. 261-9882 C & C International 2439 NW33 Ave Called 10 times Miami Tel 638-7988 FROM PALMER NOTES: FILE GF AS ~ 76 ~ 800 1 Letter dated April 18, 1977 to Gerald Patrick Hemming, 1121 Jann Ave, Opa Locka, FL 33054 in teference to 1/13/77 FOIA/Privacy Act request. No record of information requested found in DEA central indices. Report of Investigation 9/13/76 Anthony Acceturo #GF G I 76-4072 Report re: Status of Olympic Trade Lines investigaiton Details: Howard K. Davis is currently a pilot for Olympic. Davis is a known drug suspect and was arrested in 1963 for neutrality violations with para-military Cubans at Key West, FL Synopsis: Report deals with information collected activities of suspects associated with Olympic Aviation Co, a subsidiary of Olympic Trade Lines and the Enton Thomas and Mitchell Wr Bll investigations. It is interesting to note that SGI 5-0115 and Howard K. Davis were integral parts of the Bnton Thomas conspiracy investigation. Also, Howard K. Davis was arrested with Gerald Hemming, co-de- fendant with Enton Thomas, in Key Wst in 1963 for neutrality violations. The association between Coppola, Thomas, Caivano and Hemming is doumented in Miami RIU M.O.R. on Enton Thomas, et al, GI 75-0285 Hemming is past associate of Mitchell Wr kbll, III and was recently summoned by the defense in the Wrbell-Nardi trial. Doclda: 322745718 Page it