Benning, Ga
Fort Wolters, Tx Fort Rucker, Ala Fort Butis, Tx
Fort Benning, Ga Aberdeen, lad Fort Rucker, Ala
Licensed for:
Aircraft: Helicopter Sngle & Multi-Engine, Piston & Jet Powered. Single & Tandem Rotor, Flight Instrutor & Check Pilot.
Airplane Single-& Multi- Engine Prop Driven, Piston & Jet To my knowledge, I was one of (7) individuals who flew experimental aircraft in the Army in S.E. Asia on Combat Mission's (J) prefixes Vehicles: 1/4 ton Through 10 ton including 60 pass. bus Tracked Vehicles up to M-60 Tank
Ranks held :
Pvt E-1 Pvt E-2 PFC
Coporal Sergeant Staff Sergeant
Warrant Officer W01 Chief Warrant Officer CW2
1LT Infantry Captain, Infantry
DB Cooper-15957
Psychological Warfare Internal Defense & Development
High Altitude Low Opening (HALO)
Basic Flight Training Advaced Flight Training Aviation Maintenance Officers Course Infantry Officers Basic Course Test Writers Evaluation Course Aeronautical Engineers Course
Fort Ord, Ca Fort Ord, Ca
Fort Irwin, Ca Fort Benning, Ga Fort Bragg, NaCalifornia Licenso No. 302709 -
1246 Folsom St., San Francisco, Ca 94103 San Francisco (415) 431-1774 Stockton (209) 772-1756
DECORATIONS
Army Aviator Wings Paratrooper
, San Francisco, Ca 94103 San Francisco (415) 431-1774 Stockton (209) 772-1756
DECORATIONS
Army Aviator Wings Paratrooper Badge Vietnamese Paratrooper Wings Combat Infantry Badgg
Good Conduct (2) . National Defense Calif. Service Medal Army Cmendation Medal
Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Presdential Unit Citation
(2) Bronze Stars
(2) Distinguished Flying Crossos
(6).Capaign Ribbons
(5) Purple Hearts
(36) Air Medals Silver Star
DB Cooper-15958FD236 (Rev. 7-27-76)
FBI
· CLASSIFICATION: Immediate TOP SECRET Priority Routine SECRET Facsimile Airtel CONFIDENTIAL EFTO CLEAR
Date
3/6/78
TO:
DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111)
ATTN: IDENTIFICATION DIVISION, LATENT
FINGERPRINT SECTION
933
FROM :
SAC, SACRAMENTO (164-50) (P)
SUBJECT: NORJAK (A)
1.
00: Seattle
*
Enclosed for Seattle is one' copy of LHM Gated 2/3/78 concerning ROBERT WESLEY JONES. aka Robert/Wesley BackstraumRSacramento who was recently arrested by the New York Division and is awaiting transfer back to Stockton, California after waiving
aka Robert/Wesley BackstraumRSacramento who was recently arrested by the New York Division and is awaiting transfer back to Stockton, California after waiving extradition. He claims RACKSTRAW is his true name and all records except birth records list him as RACKSTRAW.
Also enclosed for Seattle is one copy of RACKSTRAW's resume wherein he claims to hold Army aviator and paratrooper insignia, as well as Vietnamese paratrooper wings, and to have received training in both demolitions and underwater demolitions while in the U.S. Army,
RACKSTRAW's military record discloses he was forced to resign his first lieutenant's commission in June, 1971, and he was extremely bitter over his severance. His descrip- tion and sketch of NORJAK subject are very similar. When arrested by the FBI in February, 1978, he admitted to the arresting agent that he would be fully capable of successfully
1- - Bureau 2 - Seattle (164-81) (Enc. 2) read 2 - San Francisco (164-220) 2 - St. Louis (164-63) 3 - Sacramento (2 - 164-50) WLL/KJ (10)
164-81-7808
b6 b7c
SEARCHED
INDEXED
SERIALIZED 2 FILED MAR 8 1978
P
b6 b7c
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
DB
Louis (164-63) 3 - Sacramento (2 - 164-50) WLL/KJ (10)
164-81-7808
b6 b7c
SEARCHED
INDEXED
SERIALIZED 2 FILED MAR 8 1978
P
b6 b7c
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
DB Cooper-15959
b6 b7c
3
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype
PRECEDENCE: SC 164-50
effecting the NORJAK hijacking, but denied participation and claimed he was interviewed and eliminated as a suspect by a San Francisco FBI Agent in Fort Cronkite, California in 1971.
Photos of RACKSTRAW taken within the past three years have been sent direct to the Seattle case agent and should be returned to SA at the Stockton, California RA when no longer needed.
The day after RACKSTRAW was arrested in New York, the body of his stepfather was located in a hole in Calaveras County, California, and a murder warrant against RACKSTRAW has just been issued.
by the FBI RACKSTRAW' s has been located
been with the suspect in November, 1971 at the time of the NORJAK and may be able to establish his whereabouts at the pertinent time.
FBI Identification Division, Latent Fingerprint Section, is requested to compare suspect's fingerprints under FBI No.
FBI Identification Division, Latent Fingerprint Section, is requested to compare suspect's fingerprints under FBI No. 977 973E with the NORJAK partials.
LEADS :
SAN FRANCISCO
Will assign SA to interview suspect's and will search files to determine why RACKSTRAW was considered a suspect in NORJAK in 1971. Advise Seattle and Sacramento if he was interviewed and eliminated as a suspect in 1971.
SEATTLE
Will consider RACKSTRAW as a suspect and set out other logical leads.
ST. LOUIS
Will review RACKSTRAW's military record under SSAN 546-54-1279 and send Seattle a copy of it and will attempt to locate good copies of any 1971 photos of RACKSTRAW for the Seattle Division.
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-15960
2SC 164-50
SACRAMENTO
AT STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA. Will remain alert to any clues that might arise concerning NORJAK during local investigation of RACKSTRAW on murder and theft charges.
ARMED & DANGEROUS
DB Cooper-15961
3*FD-302 (REV. 11-27-70)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
933 G
1
Date of transcription,
3/8/78
following information:
furnished the b6 b7C
She works for and has home phone
b6
She is
ROBERT
11-27-70)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
933 G
1
Date of transcription,
3/8/78
following information:
furnished the b6 b7C
She works for and has home phone
b6
She is
ROBERT WESLEY JONES b7C
PHILIP RACKSTRAW, who was recently discovered as a murder victim.
PHIL RACKSTRAW
b6 b7c
PHILIP never adopted JONES and JONES is his true name, although he always used the last name of RACKSTRAW in school and when he went into the Army.
She realizes that a murder warrant has been issued against JONES for the murder of stepfather, b6 b7C
but she will await the verdict of the court before deciding as to his guilt.
She denied any knowledge that ROBERT is identical to "D . B. COOPER", but she recalled that during the fall of 1971, ROBERT was just "floating around" because he was being sought on some fraud warrant out of Alabama. (Houston County, Dothan, Alabama) He intentionally did not keep his exact whereabouts known to his family.
She realizes D. B. COOPER had a knowledge of navigation and of parachuting and ROBERT is highly skilled at both. She believed he received his commercial flying license some time inthe fall of 1971, because at Christmas, 1971.
She believed he received his commercial flying license some time inthe fall of 1971, because at Christmas, 1971.
I
She recalled that it was about this time that he worked for some real estate firm in the Los Angeles area and part of his work was the promotion of some land in Oregon, back in an area so remote that there were no roads and ROBERT had to fly prospects in there to see the land.
b6 b7C
Interviewed on, 3/3/78 at California File # SC 164-50
SE 164-81
by SA
.j.s Date dictated 3/3/78 b6
b7C 4
This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; " it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency.
DB Cooper-15962
164-81-71-2 SC 164-50
1
¥
When he first got out of the Army, in June, 1971, he first traveled around the south, for about a month, before he came back home to California. He stayed with his mom for a while and then when he heard he was wanted in Alabama he moved in with her for awhile. He then moved down to the San Jose area and from there he went to San Fernando to work for the real
He then moved down to the San Jose area and from there he went to San Fernando to work for the real estate company. He seemed to have money and he frequently rented airplanes. He was always a pretty good "spender", but she has no recollection of his having any unusual amount of money during the fall of 1971. He got his real estate license when he moved to San Jose, she thought, although the land promotion firm that hired him was in San Fernando. She does not recall the name of the girlfriend he had for a short time in the San Jose area. but it was her recollection California.
b6 b7c
He broke up with and he did not meet until after 1971.
In a recent conversation she had b6 b7C
ROBERT,
not surprised at
the murder accusation against ROBERT because on one occasion
?
DB Cooper-15963FD-302 (REV. 11-27-70)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
0,
933
1
Date of transcription
3/8/78
Stockton
b6
b7C
Police Department, furnished the following information:
While returning ROBERT WESLEY JONES, also known as Robert Wesley Rackstraw, from New York to California, on March 3, 1978, he listened when JONES
OF INVESTIGATION
0,
933
1
Date of transcription
3/8/78
Stockton
b6
b7C
Police Department, furnished the following information:
While returning ROBERT WESLEY JONES, also known as Robert Wesley Rackstraw, from New York to California, on March 3, 1978, he listened when JONES mentioned the "D. B. COOPER" case. JONES had earlier refused to sign a rights and waiver form.
JONES mentioned that he was one of 1500 men who were members of the Green Berets and who had the requisite skills to pull off the COOPER caper. JONES claimed the FBI interviewed all 1500 of them and left the inference he had been cleared of any involvement.
JONES furnished no other information of value but his attitude during the entire time was that he was vehemently against the "system", or "establishment".
It is noted that JONES had been forced to resign from the Army about five months before the hijack took place.
Interviewed an 3/6/78 -Stockton, California
SG 164-50
SE 164-81
by SA
js
Date dictated 3/6/78 b6
b7C
5
This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency.
It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency.
Que 932
DB Cooper-15964
164-21-9/10FD-302 (REV. 11-27-70)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
733 Q
1
Date of transcription
3/8/78
Stockton Police Department, b6 b7C
furnished the following information:
On March 6, 1978, while ROBERT WESLEY JONES was making a court appearance he had a brief conversation with
asked JONES when he was at Ft. Cronkite and JONES replied in 1968. advised that there was no Miranda warning given and no questioning was made concerning the D. B. COOPER hijacking.
are attempting to clear up their explosives case and have told JONES that they are not interested in prosecuting him on the explosives case, but just want to clear their cases. On this basis he has been talking to them.
He remarked that the FBI was looking for him on the Felton Quarry burglary or how the explosives were used but they never came to see him. He admitted that he was acquainted with the Quarry, but denied involvement in the theft.
He remarked that the FBI was looking for him on the Felton Quarry burglary or how the explosives were used but they never came to see him. He admitted that he was acquainted with the Quarry, but denied involvement in the theft.
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C

Interviewed on 3/7/78	at Stockton,	California	File # SC 164-50
SE 164-81
by SA	is	Date dictated	3/7/78

This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency.
164.71
b6
b7C 1
DB Cooper-15965FD-36 (Rev. 7-27-76)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE:
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype Immediate TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority SECRET CONFIDENTIAL Routine EFTO CLEAR Date 3/9/78
AIRTEL
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM:
SUBJECT NORJAK (A)
00: Seattle
Re Sacramento airtel to Seattle dated 3/6/78.
SECRET CONFIDENTIAL Routine EFTO CLEAR Date 3/9/78
AIRTEL
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM:
SUBJECT NORJAK (A)
00: Seattle
Re Sacramento airtel to Seattle dated 3/6/78.
Enclosed for Seattle are the original and one copy of FD 302's reflecting interviews with 1- 7 Lead to follow up on issuance of suspect's flying licenses with FAA is being left up to the office of origin. This data is reportedly available from the FAA General Aviation District Office, Oakland, California.
LEAD:
SACRAMENTO
AT SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA. Will check with California Department of Real Estate, 714 P Street, to determine dates in the fall of 1971, that they dealt with suspect as a real estate salesman and obtain pertinent residence addresses during October - December, 1971. He registered as ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW, born 10/16/43, at Cleveland, Ohio.
sub 735-71
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
2- Seattle (Enc1. 6) 3-Sacramento ES WLL: js (4)
164-11-7855
SEARCHED INDEXED ... SERIALIZED FILED 0
MAR 1 1 1978 POLASEATTLE
b6 b7C
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
Per
DB Cooper-15966
b6 b7C Airtel
0% SAC, SACRAMENTO (164-50) (P)
933 Q
b6 b7C1-336 (Rev.
SERIALIZED FILED 0
MAR 1 1 1978 POLASEATTLE
b6 b7C
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
Per
DB Cooper-15966
b6 b7C Airtel
0% SAC, SACRAMENTO (164-50) (P)
933 Q
b6 b7C1-336 (Rev. 2-2-78)
LA JUSTICE * Å & Q
WVESTIC.STION
0
0
4
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVES .. GATION Washington, D. C. 20537
REPORT of the
IDENTIFICATION DIVISION LATENT FINGERPRINT SECTION

YOUR FILE NO.	164-50 (P)
FBI FILE NO.	164-2111
LATENT CASE NO.

March 16, 1978
To: SAC, Sacramento
b6 b7C
RE:
NORJAK;
SUB; ROBERT WASCKY, RACKSTRADY
REFERENCE: Airtel 3-6-78
EXAMIN ATION REQUESTED BY: Sacramento
SPECIMENS:
.. The unidentified latent fingerprints and latent impression previously reported in the captioned case were compared with the available fingerprints of Robert Wesley Rackstraw, aka Robert Wesley Jones, FBI #977973E, but no identification was effected. No palm prints were located here for Rackstraw.
(2 - Seattle (164-81)
Sub 933, 1611-01-2015 8
ACTING Assistant Director, JULEPACHOTHERSSICH
THIS REPORT IS FURNISHED FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
ILE IN b6 b7C
DB Cooper-15967
FBI/DOJREGISTRATION FEE
$4.
(2 - Seattle (164-81)
Sub 933, 1611-01-2015 8
ACTING Assistant Director, JULEPACHOTHERSSICH
THIS REPORT IS FURNISHED FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
ILE IN b6 b7C
DB Cooper-15967
FBI/DOJREGISTRATION FEE
$4.00
ORS 493.050
OREGON PILOT REGISTRATION RENEWAL REMINDER REGISTRATION PERIOD FROM 01/01/78 TO 12/31/79
PLEASE REVIEW THE BELOW INFORMATION. CROSS OUT ENTRIES IN ERROR AND WRITE IN THE CORRECT INFORMATION. FAA PILOT CERTIFICATE NUMBER MUST BE ENTERED BY ALL BUT STUDENT PILOTS.

FAA PILOT CERTIFICATE #:	2104631
FAA STUDENT PILOT #:	NOT APPLICABLE

DATE OF BIRTH: 10-16-43 Mo. Day Year
RACKSTRAW, ROBERT W
PO BOX 352
VALLEY SPRINGS
CA 95252
HOME PHONE: 7721245
BUSINESS PHONE:7721756
OREGON
COUNTY ( NON-OR STATE) : CALIFORNIA
INSTRUMENT RATING:YES
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR: YES

FOR AIRCRAFT OWNERS ONLY
AIRCRAFT OWNER:NO	AIRCRAFT USED FOR BUSINESS:N.A.
FAA AIRCRAFT #:N.A.	AIRCRAFT USED FOR PLEASURE:N.A.

HIGHEST PILOT CERTIFICATE ********** TYPE OF AIRCRAFT RATING ************
STUDENT:
NOT APPLICABLE
HIGHEST PILOT CERTIFICATE ********** TYPE OF AIRCRAFT RATING ************
STUDENT:
NOT APPLICABLE
SINGLE-ENGINE-LAND:YES
GLIDER
NO
SINGLE-ENGINE-SEA: NO
HELICOPTER: YES
PRIVATE:
NOT APPLICABLE
COMMERCIAL: YES
MULTI-ENGINE-LAND: YES
BALLOON:
NO
AIR TRANSPORT:NO
MULTI-ENGINE-SEA:
NO
OTHER:
NO
FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW
TOTAL PILOT FLYING HOURS
PILOT HOURS FLOWN PAST 12 MONTHS:
BUSINESS PLEASURE
TOTAL
SIGNATURE OF PILOT
DATE
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM AND YOUR REMITTANCE OF $4 TO:
AERONAUTICS DIVISION 3040 25th Street S. E. Salem, Oregon 97310
Phone: (503) 378-4880
a division of the
sub. 933,
164-81-7826 9
Appropriate Oregon Revised Statutes are printed on the reverse side.
· OREGON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DB Cooper-15968
Form #802 - 768 Rev. 8/77

For Office Use Only
Admin. Code	R
County Code

FD-36 (Rev. 7-27-76)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE:
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype SECRET Immediate TOP SECRET Facsimile :
7-27-76)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE:
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype SECRET Immediate TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority Routine CONFIDENTIAL Airtel EFTO CLEAR
AIRTEL
Date 4/3/78 -
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE. (164-81)
og
FROM:
SAC, SACRAMENTO (164-50) (P)
SUBJECT
NORJAK (A)
00: SE
933
Re Sacramento airtel to Bureau, 3/6/78.
Enclosed for San Francisco and Seattle is one copy each of insert of SC
It is noted that neither real estate firm listed for suspect in the records of the Department of Real Estate was set out on his resume.
Police Department investigators advise that his papers hown him renting numerous airplanes in San Jose, California, during 1972, but earliest one located prior to that was 12/7/71.
Seattle is requested to advise if they desire palm prints taken of suspect RACKSTRAW for submission to Latent Fingerprint Section. Dial ARMED & DANGEROUS (N) 2)- Seattle (Enc. 1) I - San Francisco (164-220) (Info) (Enc. 1) 2 - Sacramento WLL/ab (5)
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
973-12 sub 934.
1) I - San Francisco (164-220) (Info) (Enc. 1) 2 - Sacramento WLL/ab (5)
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
973-12 sub 934. 164-81-7895

INDEXED,
SEARCHED
SERIALIZED & FILED
APR 6	1978

N
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-16013
b6 b7CFR-36 (Rev. 2-14-74)

FBI
Date:	4/7/78

Transmit the following in
('Type in plaintext or code)
Via
AIRTEL
(Precedence)
TO :
SAC, SACRAMENTO (164-50)
FROM :
SAC, SEATTLE
(164-81
(P)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK (A)
00 :
Seattle
Bufile 164-2111
Re :
ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW
Sub
933
Re Sacramento airtel to Seattle, 4/3/78.
LEADS : SACRAMENTO DIVISION
At Sacramento, California
Will obtain and forward to the Latent Fingerprint 'Section of the Identification Division palm prints of suspect RACKSTRAW for comparison with NORJAK partials.
ARMED & DANGEROUS. ANS)
2 - Sacramento //3 )- Seattle RNN : jsb( U 933-13
sub 169-81-7852
N
b6 b7C
Searched
Index ouoved:
2
Sent M Per
Filed 2
Special Agent
ANS)
2 - Sacramento //3 )- Seattle RNN : jsb( U 933-13
sub 169-81-7852
N
b6 b7C
Searched
Index ouoved:
2
Sent M Per
Filed 2
Special Agent in Charge
GPO . 1975 ( - 590 932 DB Cooper-16014
b6 b7C
b6 b7C*FD-36 (Rev. 7-27-76)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype Airtel
FBI
PRECEDENCE:
CLASSIFICATION: Immediate TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority SECRET CONFIDENTIAL Routine EFTO CLEAR
AIRTEL
Date
5/5/78
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
A:
FROM: SAC, SACRAMENTO (164-50) (P)
SUBJECT: NORJAK (A) 00: Seattle
Re: ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW Sub Number 933
Re Seattle airtel to Sacramento dated 4/7/78.
Suspect RACKSTRAW was approached by SA on 4/24/78, at the San Joaquin County Jail, French Camp, California, and he refused palm prints or interview without permission of his attorney. He identified his attorney as
was contacted and he advised SA that he did not desire to have his client interviewed concerning NORJAK, but that he was agreeable to palm prints being taken.
He identified his attorney as
was contacted and he advised SA that he did not desire to have his client interviewed concerning NORJAK, but that he was agreeable to palm prints being taken.
On 5/4/78, SA returned to the jail to take the palm prints, but RACKSTRAW again declined and advised that he wanted SA to contact his attorney, Oakland California,
He stated that
is his
telephone primary attorney, in Calaveras county.
was telephonically contacted by SA on 5/4/78, and he advised that it would be necessary for the government to get a court order to obtain the palm prints. He stated RACKSTRAW has denied being D. B. COOPER, but he does not want his client interviewed concerning it nor will he cooperate in the investigation as it might possibly not be in RACKSTRAW's best interest.
2 Seattle
164-81-7881
3-San Francisco (164-220) 2-Sacramento
SEARCHED
INDEXED
SERIALIZED A
FILED
WLL: js
Approved: (7) Transmitted
(Time) (Number) DB Cooper-16015
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
Dub 933,
1
14
MAY 1 0 1978
6
IN
b6 b7C SC 164-50
On 5/4/78 this matter was discussed with
AUSA Sacramento, California, and he advised that the court order should be obtained by the Seattle Office
1
14
MAY 1 0 1978
6
IN
b6 b7C SC 164-50
On 5/4/78 this matter was discussed with
AUSA Sacramento, California, and he advised that the court order should be obtained by the Seattle Office through the U. S. Attorney at Seattle.
On 5/4/78, Stockton Police Department, advised he has heard that is a lawver in Oakland
He wondered if this would indicate that RACKSTRAW's suspected involvement in the 1975 theft of the explosives at the Felton Quarry, Santa Cruz, California, some of which were later recovered from the NWLF by the FBI at Richmond, California, in early 1976, might mean that RACKSTRAW intentionally obtained the explosives for the radicals. He stated that reportedly was formerly in partnership with another reported reportedly by the San Francisco Police Department, is and has
Seattle Division will discuss this matter of palm prints with the U. S. Attorney to determine if a court order will issue or whether it has to be handled as a subpoena to the Federal Grand Jury in Seattle. It is noted that RACKSTRAW is presently feigning a back injury which requires him to be transported in a wheel chair, and custodial personnel feel he is doing this in an attempt to effect a
It is noted that RACKSTRAW is presently feigning a back injury which requires him to be transported in a wheel chair, and custodial personnel feel he is doing this in an attempt to effect a possible escape attempt. If U. S. Marshals are to transport him they should be warned that RACKSTRAW is a former U. S. Army Green Beret and Vietnam veteran and is highly skilled in the use of his hands and feet as weapons.
San Francisco Division will advise if the involvement of on the defense team possibly indicates some interest by the NWLF in protecting their source of explosives. RACKSTRAW is known to have purchased a great deal explosive between the time he murdered his
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6
b7C
DB Cooper-16016
2SC 164-50
stepfather during the summer of 1977, and the time he fled to Iran in early 1978, and at least one case of the explosives has not been traced.
San Francisco will also furnish Sacramento the results of investigation requested in 3/6/78, Sacramento airtel to Bureau.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
DB Cooper-16017
3*FD-36 (Rov. 3-24-77)
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE:
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype Immediate TOP SECRET Facsimile :
3-24-77)
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE:
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype Immediate TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority SECRET CONFIDENTIAL EFTO CLEAR
Date
5/24/78

TO:	SAC, PORTLAND
FROM :	SAC, SEATTLE (164-81) (P)
SUBJECT:	NORJAK (A) 00: SEATTLE

RE :
ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW
SUB NUMBER 933
Re Sacramento airtel to Seattle, dated 5/5/78.
Enclosed for the Portland Division is one (1) copy of referenced communication.
For the information of the Portland Division, RACKSTRAW has been suggested as a suspect in this matter because he resembles the artist's composite of Unsub, and because of his military background particularly his paratrooper training. He appears to be fully capable of successfully affecting the Norjak hijacking.
LEADS :
PORTLAND DIVISION
At Portland, Oregon
Will discuss with the United States Attorney's Office in Portland the feasibility of obtaining a subpoena for the palm prints of ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW.
LEADS :
PORTLAND DIVISION
At Portland, Oregon
Will discuss with the United States Attorney's Office in Portland the feasibility of obtaining a subpoena for the palm prints of ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
Suk 933-15
2 - Portland (Encl. 1) Sacramento Seattle (164-81) M
164-81-7914 3
RNN :ecf
6
Searched Serialized (
N
b6 b7C
"ilcd
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
Per
FBI/DOJ
DB Cooper-16018 AIRTEL Routine
FBIX Airtel
7/5/78
TO:
SAC, SACRAMENTO (164-50)
FROM:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK (A)
(00: Seattle)
Bufile 164-2111
RE :
ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW
SUB NUMBER 933
Re Sacramento airtel to Seattle, 5/5/78; Seattle airtel to Portland, 5/24/78.
Contact with USA SIDNEY I. LEZAK, District of Oregon, Portland, Oregon, on 6/12/78, determined that USA LEZAK wished to have the matter of the means of obtaining RACKSTRAW's palm prints researched before taking any action. He advised he would have the matter researched and advise.
On 6/26/78, USA LEZAK advised he had turned the matter over to First AUSA District .of Oregon. b6 b7C
On 7/3/78, First AUSA advised that he wishes to explore the possibility of obtaining RACKSTRAW's
b6 b7C
On 7/3/78, First AUSA advised that he wishes to explore the possibility of obtaining RACKSTRAW's palm prints through some other means than a subpoena or a court order. He accordingly requested that the identity of the District Attorney of the locality in which RACKSTRAW is to be tried for murder be obtained and furnished to him, so that he may contact that District Attorney and discuss the matter with him.
Auk 933-16
2 - Sacramento - Seattle (164-81) 2 - Portland
RPH : ceh (6)
164-81-7973

SEARCHED INDEXED
SERIALIZED CL- FILED 1.
JUL # 1978 FBI-SEATTLE

DB Cooper-16019PD 164-41
LEAD
SACRAMENTO
AT SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA. Will obtain the name of the District Attorney prosecuting RACKSTRAW on local charges, and forward same to Portland Division to furnish to First AUSA Will note that it is not clear from referenced Sacramento airtel to Seattle whether this would be the District Attorney of San Joaquin County or the District Attorney of
to Portland Division to furnish to First AUSA Will note that it is not clear from referenced Sacramento airtel to Seattle whether this would be the District Attorney of San Joaquin County or the District Attorney of Calaveras County.
b6 b7C
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
DB Cooper-16020
-2 *-AIRTEL
7/27/78
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM :
SAC, SACRAMENTO (164-50) (RUC)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK (A)
00: SEATTLE
BUFILE 164-2111
Re ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW Sub Number 933
Re Seattle airtel to Sacramento, 7/6/78.
On 7/26/78, Calaveras County SO advised that he expected the trial of ROBERT RACKSTRAW was in its final stages and expected to be completed in two weeks.
The following investigation was conducted by SC
AT SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA:
On 7/21/78, California Department of Motor Vehicles, Driver's License Section, advised that a search of their files failed to locate any California driver's license for date of birth described as 6', 185 lbs., brown hair, and blue eyes ..
No record could be located for
aka
No further investigation is outstanding in the Sacramento Division, therefore, this matter is being RUC'd at this time. - Seattle 2 - Little Rock (164-22) 1 - Sacramento TRK : mm1 (5)
SUB.
No record could be located for
aka
No further investigation is outstanding in the Sacramento Division, therefore, this matter is being RUC'd at this time. - Seattle 2 - Little Rock (164-22) 1 - Sacramento TRK : mm1 (5)
SUB. 933
164-81-7997
FILED PEDIRLIZED 4 INDEXED
JUL 2 9 1978 FBI-SEATTLE
b6 b7c
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7c
b6 b7C
17
If 15
DB Cooper-16021XX AIRTEL
7/12/78
TO:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41)
FROM :
SAC, SACRAMENTO (164-50) (P)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK (A)
00: SEATTLE
(BUFILE 164-2111)
RE :
ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW
SUB NUMBER 933
Re Portland airtel to Sacramento dated 7/5/78.
On 7/12/78, Calavares County Sheriff's Office, advised that RACKSTRAW is currently on trial in Calavares County for murder and is being prosecuted by DA JOSEPH KILEY. He advised KILEY could be reached at number (209) 754-3887.
b6 b7C
On 7/12/78; contact with the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, Stockton, California, revealed that the name of the Assistant DA handling the RACKSTRAW case in Stockton is b6 b7C
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
18
2 - Portland 2 Seattle (164-81) 2 - Sacramento TRK/kmc (6)
SUB 933 64-81-7998
SEARCHED 1.IL INDEXED. SERIALIZED
# FILED
JUL 1.
18
2 - Portland 2 Seattle (164-81) 2 - Sacramento TRK/kmc (6)
SUB 933 64-81-7998
SEARCHED 1.IL INDEXED. SERIALIZED
# FILED
JUL 1.5 1978 FBI - SEATTLE
DB Cooper-160228/10/78
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK (A)
(00: Seattle
Bufile #164-2111
RE ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW Sub #933
Re Portland airtel to Sacramento dated 7/5/78; and Sacramento airtel to Portland dated 7/12/78.
Information contained in referenced Sacramento airtel to Portland was furnished on 8/7/78 to First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon who had been on vacation prior to that time.
b6 b7C I b6 b7C
On 8/8/78, AUSA advised that he had been in telephonic contact with the District Attorney of Calavares County, California, JOSEPH KILEY, and had determined that
which he was tried in Calavares County. then telephonically contacted Deputy District Attorney of the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, Stockton, California. advised that suspect RACKSTRAW is scheduled to be tried on various charges in San Joaquin County beginning in September, 1978.
advised that suspect RACKSTRAW is scheduled to be tried on various charges in San Joaquin County beginning in September, 1978. Meanwhile, RACKSTRAW is free on $60,000 bail.
related to that he has worked very closely for a number of years with the FBI Resident Agent at Stockton, SA and he thinks very highly of SA He stated that he would make every effort to see to it that major case fingerprints of RACKSTRAW are obtained at some point during the forthcoming prosecution in September, 1978.
b6 b7C
SUB 933-19 164-81-7999 2 - Seattle 2 - Sacramento (164-50) 2 - Portland RPH : kgf (6)
SEARCHED INDEXED. SERIALIZED. 1 FILED
#
AUG 1 2 1978 FBI-SEATTLE
5
DB Cooper-16023PD 164-41
LEADS
SACRAMENTO
AT STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA. Will maintain contact with Deputy District Attorney for progress in his efforts to obtain major case fingerprints of suspect RACKSTRAW for elimination purposes in this matter.
b6 b7C
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
2*
DB Cooper-160241 SF 164-220 JRO/ds
OUD 935
The following investigation was conducted by
SA
AT SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
San Francisco indices contain no reference to ROBERT WESLEY
2*
DB Cooper-160241 SF 164-220 JRO/ds
OUD 935
The following investigation was conducted by
SA
AT SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
San Francisco indices contain no reference to ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW or ROBERT WESLEY JONES to the NORJAK investigation (SF 164-220) prior to 1978.
AT
CALIFORNIA
was recontacted regarding
whereabouts in 1971. recalled that
b6 b7C Left ROBERT RACKSTRAW at Fort Rucker, Alabama, in early 1971, California, area. She recalled that
the Subject was released from the Army some time in mid year 1971. She believes that he was area in the summer of 1971,
California, She could not recall where he was in the fall of 1971, or specifically Thanksgiving, 1971.
vaguely recalled that RACKSTRAW may have been flying a plane or helicopter for some land developement company in Oregon or Washington in late 1971. She believed that his job required him to fly people over large land tract areas. could recall no other particulars about location or employment in 1971.
b6 b7C
b6 b7c
SUA 933-20 164-81-8634
SEARCHED FILED
INDEXED. SERIALIZED
OCT @ 1978 FBI - SEATTLE
&
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-16025
: 9/27/78
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
SERIALIZED
OCT @ 1978 FBI - SEATTLE
&
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-16025
: 9/27/78
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
SAC, SAN FRANCISCO (164-220) (P) (SURA)
UNSUB, aka D. B. Cooper CAA - HIJACKING (A) 00: SE
Re Portland letter to San Francisco dated 2/28/78.
Enclosed for Seattle are two (2) copies of an investigative insert showing investigation by SA b6 b7C 
* at San Francisco and › California. This insert concerns investigation regarding ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW and ROBERT WESLEY JONES.
Regarding the information contained in referenced Portland letter to San Francisco, be advised that San Francisco has reviewed the information contained in letter furnished by and after much due deliberation, San Francisco, has determined that no further logical investigation appears warranted to involve or eliminate the suspect suggested. San Francisco, therefore, is taking no further action with regard to this letter.
b6 b7c
2 - Seattle (Encs. 2) 2 San Francisco
TPW:rvs (4) #10
501 933-21 14-4% ELAST
INDEXSD
SEAROKED FILED
31 SECIALLZED.
2) 2 San Francisco
TPW:rvs (4) #10
501 933-21 14-4% ELAST
INDEXSD
SEAROKED FILED
31 SECIALLZED.
OCT 2 1978 FBI-SEATTLE
DB Cooper-16026SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
11/8/78
SAC, SACRAMENTO (164-50) (RUC)
NORJAK (A) 00: Seattle Bufile 164-2111
Sub- 933,
Re :
ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW
Subject No. 933
Re Portland airtel to Seattle, 8/10/78.
On 10/11/78, one day prior to his trial in Stockton, California, ROBERT RACKSTRAW rented a $55,000 plane from Bridgeford Flying Service and later that day called in a "Mayday" advising that his plane was on fire and he was forced to ditch in the ocean approxi- mately 12 miles out of Monterey, California.
Investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard failed to find any sign of wreckage and it is believed that subject flew the plane to Mexico.
In view of the above, Sacramento is conducting no further investigation on this matter; however, if subject is located and arrested he will be returned to Stockton, California and major case prints will be obtained. 2 - Seattle 1 - Portland (164-41) 1 - Sacramento TRK/emh (4)
Sub-933 1641-21-8629 22
SEARCHED L.
2 - Seattle 1 - Portland (164-41) 1 - Sacramento TRK/emh (4)
Sub-933 1641-21-8629 22
SEARCHED L.INDEXED.V SERIALIZED FILED 4 NOV 1 0. 1978 FBI-SEATTLE
DB Cooper-16027. 110740 2301853 PT. SE PR SO CE LA R 0519537 FC3 79PM LOS ANGELES (164-497) TO SEATTLE (164-1) SOUTIME POFILAME (164-41) FOUTI"E SACF AMENTO POUTINE BT UNCLAS :
SUB 933
MORIAK (A), 00: SEATTLE, PUFILE 164-2111.
RE PORTLAND TELETYPE TO LOS ANGELES FEBRUARY 3,, 1979. FOR INFORMATION OF SACRAMENTO, PORTLAND ADVISED IN DE TELETYPE THAT FOREST WESLEY PACKSITAW HAS BEEN CONSIDERED AG A POSSIBLE SUSPECT IP THIS MATTER. PACKSTRAW IS CUPPT"TLY BELIEVED TO RE I" CUSTODY OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES AT FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA.
SACKSTRAW WAS RELEASED TO THE CUSTODY OF A
(PH) , SAR JOMUIN SHERIFF'S OFFICE, FOR RETURN TO STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA .
SACRAMENTO AT STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA, WILL CONTACT LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN MAJOR CASE FINGERPRINTS OF
b6 b7C
SUB. 933" ,23
164-81-80-19 NEBO 5 :070 7
DB Cooper-16028PAGE TWO (LA 164-497) TECLAS FACKSTRAU, INCLUDING PALY PRINTS, AND FORWARD SAME IMMEDIATELY TO FRI IDENTIFICATION
933" ,23
164-81-80-19 NEBO 5 :070 7
DB Cooper-16028PAGE TWO (LA 164-497) TECLAS FACKSTRAU, INCLUDING PALY PRINTS, AND FORWARD SAME IMMEDIATELY TO FRI IDENTIFICATION DIVISION FOR COMPARISON WITH URICERTIFIED LATENT FINGERPRINT IMPRESSIONS DEVELOPED IN THE HIJACKED AIP- CAFT IN THIS MATTER .
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
BT
:3619597 SF 1
DB Cooper-16029FD-30 (Rev. 5-27-78)
· TRANSMIT VIA:
'ION: Teletype
PRECEDENCE: Immediate 
Priority
FBI
CLASSIFIC TOP SECRET Facsimile SECRET AIRTEL Routine CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EF TO UNCLAS
Date
2/6/79
TO:
DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111)
ATTN: FBI IDENT
FROM:
SAC, SACRAMENTO (164-50) (P)
SUB. 933-
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
00: Seattle
Re Sacramento airtel to Seattle, 11/8/78, and
Portland teletype to Sacramento 2/5/79.
RE: ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW
Enclosed for the Bureau are three copies of palm prints of ROBERT W. RACKSTRAW.
RACKSTRAW was apprehended 1/26/79, by the Fullerton Police Department, Fullerton, California, for trying to have copies made of a forged federal pilot's license.
RACKSTRAW was apprehended 1/26/79, by the Fullerton Police Department, Fullerton, California, for trying to have copies made of a forged federal pilot's license.
On 2/5/79, San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, provided the enclosed palm prints obtained from RACKSTRAW at Fullerton, California. stated that the original prints are being retained by his office for use in RACKSTRAW's local prosecution.
Sacramento is obtaining major case prints which will be submitted when available.
2-Bureau (Enc1. 3) 2- Portland (164-41) 2-Seattle (164-81) 2-Sacramento TRK/ab (8)
24
SUB-935 164-81-8648
SEARCHED
SERIALIZED A FIL: if FEB 8 1979 Per FBI-SEATTLE
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
DB Cooper-16030
b6 b7C 
SC 164-50
REQUEST OF THE BUREAU
The Bureau is requested to compare palm prints of RACKSTRAW to those of unknown subject in captioned hijacking.
DB Cooper-16031
-2 *-2/6/79
AIRTEL
AIR MAIL
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM :
SAC, SAN FRANCISCO (164-220) (P) (SJRA)
RE :
NORJAK (A)
00: SE
ROBERT RACKSTRAW
On 2/5/79
(PROTECT IDENTITY). b6 telephone b7C b7D
telephonically contacted the FBI, San Jose, Calif.
Cooper-16031
-2 *-2/6/79
AIRTEL
AIR MAIL
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM :
SAC, SAN FRANCISCO (164-220) (P) (SJRA)
RE :
NORJAK (A)
00: SE
ROBERT RACKSTRAW
On 2/5/79
(PROTECT IDENTITY). b6 telephone b7C b7D
telephonically contacted the FBI, San Jose, Calif., and advised that
ROBERT RACKSTRAW. Source stated
Source advised that he is providing this information
to the FBI because he read in the newspaper that RACKSTRAW
is possibly identical to D.B. COOPER, the man who hijacked
an airliner in 1971 and thought that the FBI would possibly
want to talk
concerning RACKSTRAW's activities.
The source requested that his identity be protected
On 2/5/79,
California, telephone appeared at the San Jose FBI Resident Agency and provided the following information:
met ROBERT RACKSTRAW during
Recently
saw a picture of RACKSTRAW in the paper and identified
him 2 - Seattle 2 - San Francisco WRS : rvs (4)
Lub 93325
164-81-8069
SEARCHED
INDEXED
SERIALIZED Un
FILED Com
FEB 9 1979
FBI -SEATTLE
DB Cooper-16032
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7c b7DSF 164-220 WRS : rvs .
met RACKSTRAW while
working in a California.
restaurant named
RACKSTRAW came into the restaurant a casual conversation occurred and acquainted.
restaurant named
RACKSTRAW came into the restaurant a casual conversation occurred and acquainted.
and RACKSTRAW became
knew RACKSTRAW by his true name.
Shortly after meeting moved to San Jose, California. is certain that
and RACKSTRAW
she and RACKSTRAW were in San Jose during November of 1971. During the period in question, November, 1971, to 1973. she saw RACKSTRAW on a daily basis, RACKSTRAW very rarely was gone overnight and remember that RACKSTRAW was gone overnight during November of 1971.
cannot
RACKSTRAW smoked occasionally, but not remember his brand of cigarettes.
could
Referring to RACKSTRAW's mannerisms, she described him as robust, but polite in speech, with no noticeable accent. He talked fast on occasion.
During November and December, 1971, RACKSTRAW had a full mustache, and she does not remember him shaving it off. At the time RACKSTRAWwas about twenty-eight (28) years old and looked his age.
After RACKSTRAW moved to San Jose in September or October of 1971, RACKSTRAW enrolled in and attended real estate school.
After RACKSTRAW moved to San Jose in September or October of 1971, RACKSTRAW enrolled in and attended real estate school. About January of 1972. RACKSTRAW
Later on
California,
four numbers of her telephone number are
California. The last
In 1972, RACKSTRAW got a second job working at the Radio Shack in Cupertino, California.
advised that there was no indication whatsoever that RACKSTRAW obtained a sizeable amount of money during the time that she knew him, 1971-1973.
b6
b7C b7D
DB Cooper-16033
2
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D SF 164-220 WRS : rvs
stated that during this time, there was no indication that RACKSTRAW was involved in any illegal activity.
3*
DB Cooper-16034AIRTEL
3/8/79
TO:
DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111)
FROM:
SAC, SACRAMENTO (164-50) (RUC)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
00:
Seattle
Re Los Angeles teletype to Sacramento, 2/5/79, and Sacramento airtel to Bureau, 2/6/79.
RE: ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW
ROBERT RACKSTRAW, San Joaquin County Jail, French Camp, California, refused to give consent to having major case prints taken without the advice of his attorney, Oakland, California.
RE: ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW
ROBERT RACKSTRAW, San Joaquin County Jail, French Camp, California, refused to give consent to having major case prints taken without the advice of his attorney, Oakland, California.
On 3/7/79, Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Eastern District of California, Sacramento, California, contacted PACKSTRAW's attorney, Oakland, California, and advised that desired the FBI to obtain a court order prior to obtaining major case prints from ROBERT RACKSTRAW.
b6 b7C il b6 b7c
In view of the above, Sacramento is conducting no further investigation in this matter subsequent to receiving a subpoena for RACKSTRAW's major case prints. 
2 - Bureau 2 - Portland (164-41) (2 ~ Seattle (164-81) 1 - Sacramento FRK : $1b (7)
Sub 933-26 164-81-8070
SEARCHED INDEXED SERIALIZED 6Ja FILED IN MAR 1 0 1979 FBI-SEATTLE
2
DB Cooper-16035 1-336 (Rev. 4-28-78)
"
4
?
5
il
A
2
a
₹
4
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Washington, D. C. 20537
REPORT of the
LATENT FINGERPRINT SECTION IDENTIFICATION DIVISION

YOUR FILE NO. FBI FILE NO.	164-50 (₽) 164-2111

LATENT CASE NO.
20537
REPORT of the
LATENT FINGERPRINT SECTION IDENTIFICATION DIVISION

YOUR FILE NO. FBI FILE NO.	164-50 (₽) 164-2111

LATENT CASE NO.

March 8, 1979
b6 b7C
TO:
SAC, Sacramento
RE:
NORJAK
REFERENCE: Airtel 2/6/79
EXAMINATION REQUESTED BY: Sacramento SPECIMENS: Copies of finger and palm prints of Robert W. Rackstraw, FBI #977973E
The unidentified latent prints previously reported in this case are not identical with the submitted prints, which are enclosed.
Enclosures (3)
2 - Seattle (164-81)
Sub933-27
164-51-8071
SEARCHED
g INDEXED SERIALIZED
FILED 9
MAR 1 2 1979
THIS REPORT IS FURNISHED FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
FBI-SEATTLE 
DB Cooper-16036¿FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE:
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype Immediate TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority Routine SECRET CONFIDENTIAL Airtel UNCLAS E F TO UNCLAS
Date
3/16/79
TO:
DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111)
FROM:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK (A)
SECRET CONFIDENTIAL Airtel UNCLAS E F TO UNCLAS
Date
3/16/79
TO:
DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111)
FROM:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK (A)
(00: Seattle)
Re ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW, Sub #933
Re Sacramento airtel to the Bureau, dated 3/8/79.
For information of all recipients, on 3/15/79, AUSA District of Oregon, Portland, Oregon, advised
as follows :
Departmental Attorney
telephonically advised this date that he had received a communication from one . Attorney. Oakland, California, telephone advised him that he represents a client whom he did not identify who is willing to provide information which will prove he is the UNSUB in this matter in return for immunity from federal prosecution. instructed to have the Portland Case Agent contact by telephone in an attempt to determine the validity of this claim and to evaluate the potential for benefit to this investigation.
It is noted that during the period April, 1978 to March, 1979, investigation has been conducted to eliminate or involve one ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW. RACKSTRAW is now only 35 years old, and at the time of the hijacking in this matter, would have been
RACKSTRAW is now only 35 years old, and at the time of the hijacking in this matter, would have been approximately 28 years old. UNSUB in this matter was described as late 40's or early 50's in 1971, with the median age of the description being 48 years. This
2 - Bureau 2.
2)- Seattle (164-81) 2 - San Francisco (164-220) 2 - Portland
164-81-50720

SEARCHED A INDEXEYES
SERIALIZED LITTLE FILED LAVE
MAR 2 0 1979
FBI-SEATTLE
Per
0

Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
DB Cooper-16037
b6 b7c
b6 b7C
Sul 93325
RPH : cam (8) PD 164-41
would indicate a disparity of approximately 20 years, and RACKSTRAW would not appear to be a very good suspect.
RACKSTRAW has been the subject of highly publicized prosecution for major crimes in California, and is now incar- cerated in a California penitentiary.
RACKSTRAW has been the subject of highly publicized prosecution for major crimes in California, and is now incar- cerated in a California penitentiary. The Sacramento Office advised in May, 1978, that at that time RACKSTRAW was in custody feigning a back injury which required him to be transported in a wheelchair. Custodial personnel felt he was doing this in an attempt to effect a possible escape. It was noted that RACKSTRAW is a former U. S. Army Green Beret and Vietnam veteran highly skilled in the use of his hands and feet as weapons.
Sacramento Office further advised that on 5/4/78, Stockton, California Police
Department advised he has heard that in Oakland, California,
is a lawyer
He wondered if this might indicate that RACKSTRAW's suspected involvement in the 1975 theft of explosives at the Felton Quarry, Santa Cruz, California, some of which were later acquired from the New World Liberation Front by the FBI at Richmond, California in early 1976, might mean that RACKSTRAW intentionally obtained the explosives for the radicals. He stated that reportedly was formerly in partnership
with another reported reportedly
San Francisco
He stated that reportedly was formerly in partnership
with another reported reportedly
San Francisco Police Department,
In view of the above information, Portland SA after consultation with Supervisor of the Seattle Division, suggested to AUSA that in furtherance of Departmental Attorney
request. AUSA was furnished a list of questions which could be asked anyone claiming to be UNSUB in this matter, the answers to which could only be known by the UNSUB and investigators close to the case. was not provided with the answers to the questions.
Subsequently, on the same date, been in telephonic contact with
advised he had who requested the list b6 b7C
b6 b7c
b6 b7C
-2-
DB Cooper-16038PD 164-41
of questions be furnished him in writing. stated he would provide such a written list of questions to with the stipulation that not release the list of questions.
The above for information. Portland will maintain contact with AUSA for any subsequent developments.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-16039
-3 *-UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-16039
-3 *-UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
TO :
DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111)
DATE:
4/25/79
FROM :
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (₽)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK (A)
(00: Seattle)
RE: ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW
Sub #933
Re Portland airtel to the Bureau, dated 3/16/79.
On 4/23/79, AUSA for the District of Oregon, Portland, Oregon, advised he had received a letter from Attorney California, letter to
Oakland,
This letter was a response to dated 3/15/79, in which furnished with a list of questions to be answered by client prior to any negotiations or discussions concerning the possible prosecution of that client. advised the letter from stated as follows :
"Dear
b6 b7C
b6 b7c
"I am in receipt of your letter of 15 March, 1979, and agree to abide fully by its terms. I have discussed the contents of said letter with my client. At this point in time, he is not interested in pursuing the matter. This change in plans stems from personal problems which may well resolve themselves in the near future and allow us to once again pursue this topic.
This change in plans stems from personal problems which may well resolve themselves in the near future and allow us to once again pursue this topic.
"I shall consider the matter closed until I hear otherwise from my client and, in that event, I will contact you once again.
"Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
"Very truly yours,
"/s
5.1933-20% b7c 
2 - Bureau 2 - Seattle (164-81) 2 - San Francisco (164-220) 2 - Portland RPH : cam (8)
164-51-8073
SEARCHED ........... INOEXEDE. SERIALIZED: The FILED APR 2 8 1979 FBI -SEATTLE
7
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
DB Cooper-16040 PD 164-41
that AUSA
stated he presumes from the above client, as anticipated, was unable to answer the questions posed.
b6 b7C
In view of the above, Portland does not feel any further inquiry concerning this suspect is indicated.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
DB Cooper-16041
-2 *-P0003 0341017 RR LA SE' DE PD 008 ₹ 2322.45 FER 79 FM PORTLAND (164-41) P TO LOS ANGELES (164-497) ROUTINE SEATTLE (164-81) ROUTINE PT TECLAS DRJAK (A), 00 : SEATTLE, BUFILE: 164-2111.
45 FER 79 FM PORTLAND (164-41) P TO LOS ANGELES (164-497) ROUTINE SEATTLE (164-81) ROUTINE PT TECLAS DRJAK (A), 00 : SEATTLE, BUFILE: 164-2111. PE SUSPECT ROBERT . WESLEY RACKSTRAW, SUB NO. 933. FOR INFORMATION OF LOS ANGELES, ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW HAS BEEN CONSIDERED AS A POSSIBLE SUSPECT IN THIS MATTER. PACKSTFAW IS CURRENTLY BELIEVED TO BE IN CUSTODY .OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES AT FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA.
Sub 933 SUR- 6 ..
LOS ANGELES, AT FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA, WILL CONTACT LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN MAJOR CASE FINGERPRINTS OF RACKSTRAW , INCLUDING PALM PRINTS, AND FORWARD SAME IMMEDIATELY TO. FBI IDENTIFICATION DIVISION FOR COMPARISON WITH UNIDENTIFIED LATENT FINGERPRINT IMPRESSIONS DEVELOPED IN THE HIJACKED AIR - CRAFT IN THIS MATTER.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
BT
se,30 SUB 933
164-81-8111 SEARCHED
-
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-16042‘
29 February 20000
RE: DB Cooper
Dear Agent
On 22 February 2000, the History Channel presented a 30 minute documentary called "In Search of D.B. Cooper". I remembered the hijacking and decided to watch the program.
SEARCHED
-
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-16042‘
29 February 20000
RE: DB Cooper
Dear Agent
On 22 February 2000, the History Channel presented a 30 minute documentary called "In Search of D.B. Cooper". I remembered the hijacking and decided to watch the program. At about the end of the program a statement was made that " in February 1979, the FBI thought they had their man." They put up a picture and I took notice and could not believe what I was seeing. Then the announcer said, " Robert Wesley Rackstraw, age 35 was being held on another arrest charge and was later cleared in the D.B. Cooper case." I could not believe what I had just seen, but from the profile of the hijacker, I can see why Robert W. Rackstraw would have been a suspect.
This letter is not really about DB Cooper, but rather about Robert W. Rackstraw and who he really is, if anyone knows.
I am a former Air Force Officer and recently took an early retirement from CA. I was
for the military and JPL.
Last summer, University of Riverside Extension offered an accelerated (4 week) certificate program in Conflict Management. I felt that with Mediation and Arbitration would allow me to use my background to start a new career.
I felt that with Mediation and Arbitration would allow me to use my background to start a new career. Robert W. Rackstraw was and taught Mediation II
Robert Rackstraw held himself out as an attorney, but finally stated he had a JD but had not taken or passed any state bar exam. I have my JD, and I asked him where he got his degree, he mentioned several different schools but you could not get him to state the exact school or year he graduated.
He bragged about all the international arbitration and mediation he did for a living. He then told our class about all his military experiences. Robert was very hard to pin down to specifics or time frames. He mentioned or bragged about all types of military operations, awards etc. The man would have had to be over 100 years old to do all he said he has done in life. His military career was like Forrest Gump. He was in on every action, some CIA, that our country has encountered since WWII.
Robert showed me a picture in an Army Class A uniform with jump wings, and pilot wings.
He was in on every action, some CIA, that our country has encountered since WWII.
Robert showed me a picture in an Army Class A uniform with jump wings, and pilot wings. Since I have three children in the military, two of them at West Point, and being former Air Force Officer, he talked to me about his military experience
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formed a group to conduct mediation and arbitrations. Because of his "experience" in mediation and arbitration, we asked Robert if he wanted to join our group to set up a web site.
He agreed to join our group but provided a very limited resume for our website. He listed BS, BS, JD and LLM but gave no school. He them mentioned mediating 3100 cases but he was never specific. We worked on expanding his resume but had very little facts to deal with.
Our group is composed of professional's in law, contracts, real estate and government. After seeing the History Channel program, I taped the second showing and got our group together to review the tape. We are all in agreement that the man shown on the History Channel, "In Search of, DB Cooper" is Robert
We are all in agreement that the man shown on the History Channel, "In Search of, DB Cooper" is Robert Wesley Rackstraw, a member of our mediation group. He was 35 when he was a suspect in the DB Cooper case. That was 1979, and he would be 56, which is his age now.
Our concern is that Robert Rackstraw holds himself out as a non practicing attorney, dealing with all the various judges, courts and dispute centers of Riverside and the surrounding areas. He was hired for a short time at UCR Extension as director of Public Law and Policy. The FBI had him arrested for something else and he was a suspect in the DB Cooper case. Our group is very concerned being associated with him, if he has a felony record.
Our group has tried to check him out and has been unable to find any law school from which he might have graduated, the address he gives in Lake Elsinore is an industrial park and his military experience is very questionable.
The History Channel stated that he was arrested, it did not say convicted.
been unable to find any law school from which he might have graduated, the address he gives in Lake Elsinore is an industrial park and his military experience is very questionable.
The History Channel stated that he was arrested, it did not say convicted. We would like to know if we should be concerned about associating professionally with this man.
The group has always been concerned about Robert and his stories but felt it was better to have him on our side, than to have him mad at us because of his mouth and contacts all over the court system.
There are a few of us that feel that maybe you did have your man and he talked his way out of the situation. The man is very much a loner. They stated the suspect wore sun glasses, was a chain smoker, had military experience, possible jump and flying experience. Robert matches all of those clues. We have checked and he owns no property in California, he has several different email addresses, and phones that forward to other numbers. Just a strange man. None of us would be surprised if he was DB Cooper.
Please let us know if any information on Robert Rackstraw's arrest is open to the public for review atid if so how we can obtain a copy.
Please let us know if any information on Robert Rackstraw's arrest is open to the public for review atid if so how we can obtain a copy.
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DB Cooper-16044U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
In Reply, Please Refer File No.
to
1110 Third Avenue Seattle, WA 98101-2904 March 20, 2000
Dear
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In reference to your letter dated February 29, 2000 concerning Robert Rackstraw, I am sorry to tell you that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) can't assist you with what you are looking for. While arrest records are usually considered open records, the FBI can only supply an arrest record about a living person to another person if the person whose record is being sought signs a waiver giving up his privacy rights.
As for the issue of Mr. Rackstraw passing himself off as an attorney, you may want to contact California law enforcement authorities. Most states have laws making it illegal to practice law without a license.
For your information, I will pass your letter on to those investigating the D.
Most states have laws making it illegal to practice law without a license.
For your information, I will pass your letter on to those investigating the D.B. Cooper case.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Mandigo Special Agent in Charge
By.
Special Agent b6 64-81-Sub 933-32070 SEARCHED SERIALIZE JINDEKED SERIALIZED1 FILEDA
1 MAR 2. 8 2000
FBI SEATTLE
For DB Cooper-16045
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