3-8-77)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
1
Date of transcription
2/2/82
(Protect)
> Douglas, Alaska, b6 b7C b7D
telephone number voluntarily appeared at the Juneau Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation at Juneau, Alaska. After appropriate introductions and identification were made by SA stated that she wished to voluntarily provide some information, which pertains to a hyjacking of an aircraft in the Pacific Northwest, which resulted in an ex- tensive search for an individual known as D. B. Cooper, and the money he obtained through the hyjacking.
stated that the information she possesses per- tains to , to whom
stated that she has
and wishes now to
provide some information she obtained
She stated that he often as to the above described hyjacking, but at the time, she never really knew whether to believe him or not., She stated that
She stated because of
she is not convinced in her own mind that his but she wished to notify the appropriate authori- ties of the information, so that they could evaluate it and she could feel as though her conscience was clear.
convinced in her own mind that his but she wished to notify the appropriate authori- ties of the information, so that they could evaluate it and she could feel as though her conscience was clear.
stated that she has lived in the Juneau, Alaska b6 area for a number of years, and first met when he came to b7C b7D him,
Juneau, Alaska around stated that had come to Juneau, Alaska from Vancouver, Washington area. After meeting
and
stated that wherein
provided the following physical description and b6
background data on
b7C b7D
Name
Aliases
Race
White
PD 164-41-1870
Investigation on
1/26/82
at Juneau, Alaska
File *
AN 164A-227
by SA
Date dictated
1/26/82
b6
b7C
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-43400
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7DFD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE: CLASSIFICATION: Immediate TOP SECRET Teletype SDORET Facsimile Priority
X CONFIDENTIAL AIRTEL Routine UNCLAS E F TO :
TOP SECRET Teletype SDORET Facsimile Priority
X CONFIDENTIAL AIRTEL Routine UNCLAS E F TO UNCLAS
Date
2/3/82
TO:
DIRECTOR, FBI
(ATTENTION: FBI LABORATORY)
FROM:
SAC, ANCHORAGE (164A-227) (RUC)
SUBJECT:
NORJACK
Enclosed for the FBI Laboratory is one
Also, enclosed for Portland are the following items :
1) The original and one copy of an FD-302 containing the interview of at Juneau, Alaska.
2) The original and one copy of an Investigative Insert containing additional information provided by at Juneau, Alaska.
3) Two snapshot photographs of
4)
+
For information of the Laboratory and Portland, (Protect Identity), who requested that her identity as the source of this information be protected, advised on 1/26/82
3 - Bureau (Encs. 1) 2 - Portland (Encs. 7) 1 - Anchorage
(6)
164-41-1871
b6 b7C
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
FBI/DOJ
DB Cooper-43405
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 ৳7CMemorandum
A
To
:
SAC (164-41)
Date 2/12/82
From
:
SC JOAN M. THOMAS
Subject :
NORJAK
On this date, Dalls, Oregon, advised
home telephone
would not furnish any further details.
THOMAS
Subject :
NORJAK
On this date, Dalls, Oregon, advised
home telephone
would not furnish any further details. He stated he wants an Agent to contact him ASAP and he wants to be paid for his information. He was advised that an Agent would contact him.
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
27F= jmt
MA
164-41-1872
SEARCHED SERIALIZE
FEB 17-4982
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43409OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 JULY 1973 EDITION GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11,6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO
: SAC PORTLAND (164-41)
FROM :
SA
SUBJECT: NORJAK
DATE: 2/17/82
b6 b7C
Re memo of SC JOAN M. THOMAS 2/12/82.
On 2/17/82 contac was made with the DALLAS, OREGON Police Department re OFFICER advised that b6 had contacted his department last Sunday 2/14/82 advising b7C them that
Officer advised that He
described as a white male, dob M
, with
ODL In light of the above information writter does not plan to contact unless advised to do so by Portland HQ.
b6 b7C
1-Portland
164-41-1873
SEARCHED SERIALIZED
b6 b7C
FEB 1 8 1982 EPLPARTI AND.
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
5010-110
DB Cooper-43410FD-36 (Rev.
b6 b7C
1-Portland
164-41-1873
SEARCHED SERIALIZED
b6 b7C
FEB 1 8 1982 EPLPARTI AND.
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
5010-110
DB Cooper-43410FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
TRANSMIT VIA:
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype Immediate TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority Routine SECRET CONFIDENTIAL Airtel UNCLAS EFTO UNCLAS
Date
2/24/82

TO:	SAC, PORTLAND (164-41)
FROM :	SAC,	ATLANTA (164A-642) (RUC) (SQ. 7)

NORJACK
CAA-HIJACKING
00: PORTLAND SEATTLE
Re Columbus RA telephone call to Portland, dated
2/16/82.
On 2/16/82, (protect identity by request ).
date of birth
address
telephone number voluntarily appeared at the Columbus, Georgia, RA and furnished the following information concerning the possible identity of "D. B. Cooper":
In
the U. S. Army Disciplinary Barracks, Camp Gordon (Ft. Gordon ), Georgia, he became acquainted with a Air Force,
(first name unknown ) U.
Army Disciplinary Barracks, Camp Gordon (Ft. Gordon ), Georgia, he became acquainted with a Air Force,
(first name unknown ) U. S.
the barracks
told him that
told him that
He described as a white male, in his early with slender build, medium complexion and thin facial features. 1 2-Portland (164-41) 1-Seattle (164A-81) 1-Atlanta (164A-642)
avanza SEARCHE SERIALIZ
164-41-1874
INDEXED ILED b6 b7C
1982
FBI-PORTLAND
Approved:
Transmitted
Per
(Number)
(Time)
DB Cooper-43411
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C
Subject has done
complexion - not media or
(4)
FBI
PRECEDENCE:OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 JULY 1973 EDITION GSA FPMR {41 CFR) 101-11.6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
DATE:
3/9/82
FROM :
SC NORMA JEAN METTLER
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
On 2/25/82 Sgt. The Dalles, Oregon, City Police Department, telephone furnished
the following information:
An individual whom
knows
by the name of
DOB stated he
,
should collect the $25,000 reward. knows
was just furnishing this information for whatever action deemed necessary.
the following information:
An individual whom
knows
by the name of
DOB stated he
,
should collect the $25,000 reward. knows
was just furnishing this information for whatever action deemed necessary. (2-Portland
HA!
164-41-1875
5010-110
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
DB Cooper-43413
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C FD-302 (REV. 3-8-77)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
- 1 -
Date of transcription
3/16/82
KATU-TV, Portland, b6 Oregon, furnished the following information: b7C He accompanied KATU-TV to a meeting an unidentified man at the Mapleleaf Restaurant, SE 72nd Avenue and Stark Street, Portland, Oregon, at 10:30 AM, November 25, 1981. He remained in a car during the interview of the man by but was able to observe the man. He described the man as follows :

Sex	Male
Race	White
Age	About 55
Height	5' 11"
Build	Slender
Facial Characteristics	High cheek bones, taunt skin, large ears, long rippled nose, receding hairline, scar high on left forehead about
He described the man as follows :

Sex	Male
Race	White
Age	About 55
Height	5' 11"
Build	Slender
Facial Characteristics	High cheek bones, taunt skin, large ears, long rippled nose, receding hairline, scar high on left forehead about 3" long by "4" wide (possibly fake)
Clothing	Polyester jacket (green or dark brown) , black turtle neck shirt, V neck sweater (red)

11/25/81 Investigation on at	Portland, Oregon	PD 164A-41- 1877 File #
b6
SA by	Date dictated	12/2/81	b7C

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.
DB Cooper-43416FD-302 (REV. 3-8-77)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
- 1 -
Date of transcription
3/16/82
Oregon, furnished the following information:
KATU-TV, Portland, b7C
b6
At about 8:40 AM, November 25, 1981, he was contacted by an anonymous male telephone caller. The man claimed to have a portion of the ransom money he received.
The caller claimed to have a portion of a twenty dollar bill with number J28365856A and arrangements were made for him to meet with KATU-TV and give the portion of the bill to her. The caller wished to remain anonymous and appeared to be very nervous.
Investigation on
11/25/81
at Portland, Oregon
Flie # PD 164A-41-1878
b6
b7C
by SA
Date dictated
12/2/81
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-43417FD-302 (REV.
164A-41-1878
b6
b7C
by SA
Date dictated
12/2/81
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-43417FD-302 (REV. 3-8-77)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
- 1 -
Date of transcription
3/16/82
F
KATU-TV, 2153 NE Sandy Boulevard,
Portland, Oregon, furnished the following information:
On November 25, 1981, she was assigned to meet and interview an unidentified male at the Mapleleaf Restaurant, SE 72nd Avenue and Stark Street, Portland. The man was to give her a portion of a twenty dollar bill and furnish her with information concerning the bill. At 10:30 AM she went to the restaurant with a fellow employee,
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
When they arrived on the parking lot of the Mapleleaf Restaurant she was approached by a white male who made available to her the center portion of a U. S. Twenty Dollar Bill bearing serial number J28365856A. He then told the following story:
The man advised the money was found around Kalama by a family approximately one year ago. He said he is not sure how much they found, but there is at least one stack.
He then told the following story:
The man advised the money was found around Kalama by a family approximately one year ago. He said he is not sure how much they found, but there is at least one stack. The family gave the man one piece of the money and asked him to check where it might have come from, giving the serial number. He said he had seen the TV program last night about the anniversary of D. B. Cooper, showing pictures of the other money that was found, and that got him to thinking maybe this was part of that money and that is what prompted him to call the television station today.
The man would not let television station personnel talk to the family who found the money because he was trying to protect the identity of the family. They said they found it on the beach and they asked him to check into it instead of doing it themselves because they were just not the type of people who would know where to go.
The man said he is not related to the family, but they are just friends. He claimed location where the money was found. When questioned about the amount of money found he finally said, "quite a bit.
He claimed location where the money was found. When questioned about the amount of money found he finally said, "quite a bit." He said the family wanted strict privacy and that is why they were not coming forth. He described them as very reserved people and he believes they found it after the first amount of money was found.
b6 b7C
Investigation on 11/25/81 at Portland, Oregon File # PD 164A-41- 879
by SA
Date dictated
12/2/81
b7C
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-43418
b6PD 164A-41
- 2 -
The man then walked south on SE 72nd Avenue and disappeared.
placed the portion of currency in a plastic cassette holder and subsequently gave it to the interviewing Special Agent.
She described the man as follows:

Race	White
Sex	Male
Age	55
Hair	Grey and receding
Build	Slender
Height	5'
She described the man as follows:

Race	White
Sex	Male
Age	55
Hair	Grey and receding
Build	Slender
Height	5' 11'
Facial features	Very gaunt with high cheekbones
Clothing	Black turtle neck sweater, red V neck sweatshirt, waist length green polyester jacket and trousers

b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43419 FD=36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE:
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype Immediate TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority Routine SPORET CONFIDENTIAL AIRTEL UNOLAB EF TO UNCLAS
Date
3/26/82
TO :
FROL
PORTLAND (164A-41) SEATTLE (164A-81) (P)
NORJAK
00 :
SEATTLE
Re Portland airtel to Seattle, December 23, 1981.
In view of information reflected in Detroit airtel to Portland, November 5, 1981, no further investigation should be conducted by Portland in
In view of information reflected in Detroit airtel to Portland, November 5, 1981, no further investigation should be conducted by Portland in regards to
ARMED AND DANGEROUS . 2 - Portland 2 - Seattle (4)
164-41-1880
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time,
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43420Memorandum
To
: SAC, SEATTLE (16LA-81)
Date 5/28/82
From : SAC, PORTLAND (164A-41) (P)
Subject : NORJACK
CAA - HIJACKING
(00: Seattle)
Re Anchorage airtel to the Bureau, 2/3/82, Atlanta airtel to Portland, 2/24/82, and Atlanta letter to the Bureau, 3/3/82.
Enclosed are 2 copies each of referenced Anchorage airtel and Atlanta letter with respective enclosures.
Inquiry through CRISS(Columbia Region Information Sharing System) containing law enforcement records for the Portland, Oregon. metropolitan area revealed a
, described as a white male, born
514" in height, 150 pounds, blond hair, green eyes, as having been arrested by Clark County, Washington Sheriff's Office, for and on , for
Further evaluation and action regarding
in captioned matter is being left to office of orgin in view of propensity for .
as having been arrested by Clark County, Washington Sheriff's Office, for and on , for
Further evaluation and action regarding
in captioned matter is being left to office of orgin in view of propensity for .
2
A review of referenced Atlanta letter to the Bureau, reveals developed as a suspect in captioned matter was employed by the Federal Aviation Administration assigned to Columbus, Ohio between
. A review of photograph fails to show sufficient similarities to justify an interview of
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
2 - Seattle (Enc. 12) 2 - Portland
(4)
164-41-1881 DB Cooper-43421
b6 b7C
braided Serialized Indexed Filed
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C 164-41-1882
SEARCHED SERIALIZED
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43422FBI
Is this what the Demand Note in the Cooper HI Jack Look Like ? the { you Do Not have is OF A Shovel written ON a Graph paper their is a pat TORN FROM the Right side with the middle of the shovel ON it
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43423

1976
JULY	AUGUST	SEPTEMBER	OCTOBER	NOVEMBER	DECEMBER
SMTWTF 5	SMTWTF S	SMTWTFS	SMTWTF S	SMTWTFS	SMTWTF
a Graph paper their is a pat TORN FROM the Right side with the middle of the shovel ON it
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43423

1976
JULY	AUGUST	SEPTEMBER	OCTOBER	NOVEMBER	DECEMBER
SMTWTF 5	SMTWTF S	SMTWTFS	SMTWTF S	SMTWTFS	SMTWTF S
1	1 234 5	1 2	1 2 3 4 5 6 7	1 2 3 4	L 2
2 3 4 5 6 7 8	6 7 8 9 10 11 12	3 4 5 6 7 8 9	8 9 10 11 12 13 14	5 6 7 8 9 10 1)	3 4 5 6 7 89
9 10 11 12 13 14 15	23 14 15 16 17 18 19	10 13 12 13 14 15 16	15
3 4 5 6 7 8	6 7 8 9 10 11 12	3 4 5 6 7 8 9	8 9 10 11 12 13 14	5 6 7 8 9 10 1)	3 4 5 6 7 89
9 10 11 12 13 14 15	23 14 15 16 17 18 19	10 13 12 13 14 15 16	15 16 17 18 19 20 21	12 13 14 15 16 17 18	TO LL 12 13 14 15 16
16 17 18 19 20 21 22	20 21 22 23 24 25 26	17 18 39 20 21 22 23	22 23 24 25 26 27 28	19 ZO 21 22 23 24 25	17 18 19 20 -21 22 23
23 24 25 26 27 28 29	27 28 29 30 31	24 25 26 27 28 29 30	29 30 31	26 27 28 29 30	24 25 26 27 28 29 30
30
24 25 26 27 28 29	27 28 29 30 31	24 25 26 27 28 29 30	29 30 31	26 27 28 29 30	24 25 26 27 28 29 30
30 31	31

1979
JANUARY	FEBRUARY	MARCH	APRIL	MAY	JUNE
SMTWTFS	SMTWTFS	SMTWTF S	SMTWTFS	SMTWTF $	SMTWTFS
12 34 5 6	1 2 3	1 2 3	12 3 4 5 6 7	1 2 3 45	1 2
7 8 9 10 11 12 13	4 5 6 7 8 9 10	4 5 6 7 8 9 10	8 9 10 11 12 13 14	6 7 8 9 10 11 1
S
12 34 5 6	1 2 3	1 2 3	12 3 4 5 6 7	1 2 3 45	1 2
7 8 9 10 11 12 13	4 5 6 7 8 9 10	4 5 6 7 8 9 10	8 9 10 11 12 13 14	6 7 8 9 10 11 12	3 4 5 6 7 8 9
14 15 16 17 18 19 20	11 12 13 14 15 16 17	11 12 13 14 15 16 17	15 16 17 18 19 20 21	13 14 15 16 12 18 19	10 11 12 13 14 15 16
21 22 23 24 25 26 27	18 19 20 21 22 23 24	18 19 20 21 22 23 24	22 23 24 25 26 27 28	20 21 22 23 24 25 26	17 18 19 20 21 22 23
28 29 30 31	25 26 27 28	25 26 27 28 29 30 31	29
27 28 29 30	24 25 26 27 28 29 30
30 31	31

1979
JANUARY	FEBRUARY	MARCH	APRIL	MAY	JUNE
SMTWTFS	SMTWTFS	SMTWTF S	SMTWTFS	SMTWTF $	SMTWTFS
12 34 5 6	1 2 3	1 2 3	12 3 4 5 6 7	1 2 3 45	1 2
7 8 9 10 11 12 13	4 5 6 7 8 9 10	4 5 6 7 8 9 10	8 9 10 11 12 13 14	6 7 8 9 10 11 12	3 4 5 6 7 8 9
14 15 16 17 18 19 20	11 12 13 14 15 16 17	11 12 13 14 15 16 17	15 16
12 13	4 5 6 7 8 9 10	4 5 6 7 8 9 10	8 9 10 11 12 13 14	6 7 8 9 10 11 12	3 4 5 6 7 8 9
14 15 16 17 18 19 20	11 12 13 14 15 16 17	11 12 13 14 15 16 17	15 16 17 18 19 20 21	13 14 15 16 12 18 19	10 11 12 13 14 15 16
21 22 23 24 25 26 27	18 19 20 21 22 23 24	18 19 20 21 22 23 24	22 23 24 25 26 27 28	20 21 22 23 24 25 26	17 18 19 20 21 22 23
28 29 30 31	25 26 27 28	25 26 27 28 29 30 31	29 30	27 28 29 30 31	24 25 26 27 28 29 30

BREVICON ® A SIGN OF THE TIMES
[norethindrone 0.
24 25 26	17 18 19 20 21 22 23
28 29 30 31	25 26 27 28	25 26 27 28 29 30 31	29 30	27 28 29 30 31	24 25 26 27 28 29 30

BREVICON ® A SIGN OF THE TIMES
[norethindrone 0.5mg with ethinyl estradiol 0.035mg) Available in 21- and 28-day (with 7 inert tablets) regimens
tablets
" JULY 1978
SYNTEX
DB Cooper-43424 IH-028 +THE'AB
POR
·Lusi
OOT OF DEMO
THE ABILITY TO WAIT
Diectric Auto 1917 USA 17c
THE ABILITY TO WRITE
ROOT OF DEMOCRACY
b6 b7C
FBI 1500 SW IST Portland OR.
1581
A
97201
DB Cooper-43425MAX GUNTHER
36 Beechwood Lane, Ridgefield, CT 06877 (203) 438-6042
8/31/82 FBI Portland, Ore. 97205
Dear FBI :
I've been receiving phone calls from someone "D. B. Cooper, " the 1971 air hijacker. Chances are it's a hoax, but as a journalist I can't drop it without looking into it.
b6 b7C T
Is this 11-year-old case still open with you? If so, I'll be happy to tell you what I've got if you want to hear it. Maybe you van help me decide whether to write up my notes or throw them in the wastebasket.
Regards,
Max Gunther O
164-41-1883
SLARCE SERIAL
8 1982
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43426 FD-36 (Rev.
Regards,
Max Gunther O
164-41-1883
SLARCE SERIAL
8 1982
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43426 FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority
FBI
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET Facsimile SECRET CONFIDENTIAL x -Airtel Routine UNCLAS EF TO UNCLAS Date 10/25/82
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164A-81)
FROM :
SAC, PORTLAND (164A-41) (RUC)
SUBJECT :
NORJACK
CAA-HIJACKING
00: Seattle
Re Portland letter to Seattle 5/28/82.
Enclosed for Seattle is original letter of received by Portland, 10/4/82, regarding captioned matter. Evaluation and any actioned deemed appropriate is being left to Office of Origin.
b6 b7C
164-41-1884
Searched
Serialis .. Indexed Filed
21- Seattle (Enc. 1) 1/- Portland (3)
b6 b7C
Ruc Al 6
10/25/82
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number).
(Time)
Per DB Cooper-43427Tosaw Publishing Co., Inc.
2415 A. Lawrence St. - P.O. Box 939 Ceres, California 95307 Phone (209) 537-0151 - 0789 RICHARD T.
2415 A. Lawrence St. - P.O. Box 939 Ceres, California 95307 Phone (209) 537-0151 - 0789 RICHARD T. TOSAW President
Typo.
October 20, 1982
Special Agent in Charge FBI 1500 S.W. First Portland, Oregon
Dear Sir:
I am writing a book about D.B. Cooper entitled, "D. B. Cooper Dead or Alive?" and I need to know the numbers of the bills that were found by Brian Ingram on February 10, 1980. I understand you have the money there that was found and I would really appreciate it if you would send the serial numbers to me. I am enclosing a self addressed stamped envelope for your convenience.
I have received the full cooperation of the entire crew of the hijacked plane, other Northwest Airline officials and also the parents of the boy who found the money.
I use to be in the FBI, in the fifties, and have good words for the bureau in my book, which should be out in about 60 days. I have the list of the serial numbers, but do not have the numbers of the bills that were found.
Note: 11/4/82 FBIHQ
I hope you can be of assistance.
I have the list of the serial numbers, but do not have the numbers of the bills that were found.
Note: 11/4/82 FBIHQ
I hope you can be of assistance.
Very truly yours,
164-41-1885
advised Tosaw was SA
from 3/19/1951 to 12/16/ 1955
RICHARD T. TOSAW b6 and resigned for personal reasons."
RTT : bh (steps ago)
enc.
1932
I see no problem in response Please handle
b7C
DB Cooper-43428Post Office Box 709 Portland, Oregon 97207 November 4, 1982
Richard T. Tosaw, President Tosaw Publishing Company, Inc. 2415 A. Lawrence Street Post Office Box 939 Ceres, California 95307
Dear Mr. Tosaw:
On February 10, 1980, approximately 290 $20 bills were located in the sand of the Columbia River. These bills were in packets, and in numerical sequence (by serial number) , indicating they were in the same condition at the same time the money was given out. The condition of the money was very deteriorated, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory could not determine exactly the number of bills contained in the currency submitted. Serial numbers were obtained only from the top portion of each bundle located.
The condition of the money was very deteriorated, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory could not determine exactly the number of bills contained in the currency submitted. Serial numbers were obtained only from the top portion of each bundle located. The serial numbers of the bills located were as follows:

Serial Number	Series	Year
G 03072381 B	1969
L 10919321 A	1969
L 55066857 A	1969
L 32987392 A	1969
L 30706882 B	1963 A
I 02442844 A	1969
K 03654750 A	1969
I 02591811 A	1969
J 20209868 A	1963 A
L 55376548 B	1963 A
L 20301456 A	1969
L 51236377 B	1963 A
D 27112759 A	1969.

We appreciate you interest in this investigation and will be watching for your publication.
We appreciate you interest in this investigation and will be watching for your publication.
1
41-1886
b6 1-Addressee 1-Portland (164-41) (P)
,
Very truly yours, Eso! 1: 2290 Filed
b7C
(2)
7 WILLIAM M. BAKER Special Agent in Charge
DB Cooper-43429
-1%-161-41-1887
-
..
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43430FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype
PRECEDENCE: Facsimile Priccity Routine Immediate CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL AIRTEL UNELAS E F TO UNCLAS
Date
12/7/82
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE : (164A-81)
FROM :
SAC, PORTLAND (164A-41) (RUC)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
CAA - HIJACKING
(00: Seattle)
Enclosed for Seattle is letter addressed to Portland Police Bureau and for the attention of the D. P. COOPER DETAIL. For information of Seattle, Portland Police Bureau furnished enclosed letter to Portland FBI on December 6, 1982. Letter appears to be of questionable value and is being furnished Seattle for whatever action deemed appropriate.
Letter appears to be of questionable value and is being furnished Seattle for whatever action deemed appropriate.
2 1 Seattle (Enc. 1) - Portland
b6
(3)
164-41-1888 b7C
Beszched Serialized indexed Filed
b6 b7C
Approv
Transmitted
Per
(Number)
(Time)
.U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1982 0 - 369-895
DB Cooper-43434FD-350 (Rev. 5-8-81)
(Mount Clipping in Space Below)
Search for Cooper goes on
Ey DENISE MEYER
VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) - ,If Dan Cooper still is alive, he's prob -. ably laughing at all the hoopla that some people are raising over his dra- matic airplane hijacking 11 years ago Thanksgiving eve.
The hoopla has been expensive for Richard Tosaw, a retired lawyer and former FBI agent from Ceres, Calif., who estimates he has paid $25,000 in the past year in efforts to find the enigmatic folk hero.
"I intend to search until I find him," Tosaw said Wednesday after a fruitless 21/2 hours spent dragging the Columbia River near here.
Nov. 24, 1971, a man calling him- self-Dan Cooper hijacked a Northwest; Airlines jet and then parachuted out over Southwest Washington with, $200,000 he
24, 1971, a man calling him- self-Dan Cooper hijacked a Northwest; Airlines jet and then parachuted out over Southwest Washington with, $200,000 he extorted from the airline.
Nothing has been found of Cooper since, except for $5,800 in soggy $20 bills that a boy found on the shore of the Columbia in February 1980.
The incident is the only unsolved jetliner hijacking in U.S. history.
Tosaw, 57, says he has spent $125] a day for most of the past two weeks for a diver to drag the Columbia near the spot where 11-year-old Brian In -! gram, now of San Bernadino, Calif., found the extorted bills.
"The plane went right over here," Tosaw said as he gestured toward thei Columbia Wednesday afternoon. "If we're lucky, we'll snag something. We feel a chute is very snaggable."
Tosaw says the money that Pfand found surfaced when the Army C.f.ps' of Engineers dredged the river and' deposited silt on the bank.
Although Tosaw claims to be seri- ous about finding Cooper's parachute or other belongings, his hired diver is + dragging the river at a painstakingly slow pace with a large steel rake at- tached to a rope.
Although Tosaw claims to be seri- ous about finding Cooper's parachute or other belongings, his hired diver is + dragging the river at a painstakingly slow pace with a large steel rake at- tached to a rope.
Tosaw says he is willing to invest another $25,000 to find a trace of Cooper. He says he has written 100 of the projected 150 pages of a book on Cooper, He's publishing it himself and says the $4.50 paperback should be available in stores in eight weeks.
Is Cooper still alive?
"If he could have undone his para- chute and untied the money bag, I think he could have made it," Tosaw says. "The water is so cold, though. ! think he had military training, buz + that water is too cold to last more than about three minutes. And you can't swim very far in three minutes." .
(Indicate page, name of newspaper, city and state.) The oregonia Portland,OR
Date: 11/24/12
Edition:
Title:
Character: or
Classification: 164-41-Aubl Submitting Office: Portland
Indexing: SEARCHED SERIALIZED ED
164-41-1889
INDEXED
DEC 91982
b6 b7c
TLAND E
DREDGING FOR DAN - Richard Tosaw demon- strates dredging tool he is using to drag Columbia River for signs of Dan Cooper.
or
Classification: 164-41-Aubl Submitting Office: Portland
Indexing: SEARCHED SERIALIZED ED
164-41-1889
INDEXED
DEC 91982
b6 b7c
TLAND E
DREDGING FOR DAN - Richard Tosaw demon- strates dredging tool he is using to drag Columbia River for signs of Dan Cooper. He is watched by Brian
Ingram, who in February 1980 found $5,800 of the! marked $20 bills that Cooper supposedly parachuted; with from an airliner. Blake Payne is the pilot.
TU UVJ DB Cooper-43435NEWS INQUIRY
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
In. Reply, Please Refer to File No.
Portland, Oregon December 20, 1982
The FBI has been informed that during a dredging operation of the Columbia River items were located that could have been portions of a parachute and a money bag. There is speculation by some sources that these items could be the parachute and money bag of D. Cooper, the Northwest Airlines hijacker of November 24, 1971.
These items have not been made available to the FBI for examination; however, from aff description of them published by the news media, they do not conform with the known description of the parachute and money container with which Cooper exited the airplane.
however, from aff description of them published by the news media, they do not conform with the known description of the parachute and money container with which Cooper exited the airplane.
1 2
(1/4
(1 =2164-41)
164-41-1890
Searched
Serialized
b6 b7C
Indexed
Rand
NOTE: On 12/20/82, an article by UPLindicated that Oregon,
located what appeared to be parts of a parachute and a money
b6 b7C
bag the Columbia River. A review of the file discloses that the parachute taken by Cooper was white, not olive drab, and there was no money sack as described by
DB Cooper-43436 FBI/DOJb6 b7C
b6 b7C
Copy of parachute (?) 164-41 /A.
found in Columbia River by
DB Cooper-43437FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA: PRECEDENCE: Immediate
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET Teletype Facsimile Priority Routine SECRET CONFIDENTIAL ATRTEL UNCLAS E F TO UNCLAS
Date
12/30/82
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164A-81)
FROM :
SAC, PORTLAND (164A-41) (RUC)
SUBJECT :
NORJAK
(00: Seattle)
Enclosed for Seattle is one envelope containing a cassette tape recording made by Tacoma, Washington,
ATRTEL UNCLAS E F TO UNCLAS
Date
12/30/82
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164A-81)
FROM :
SAC, PORTLAND (164A-41) (RUC)
SUBJECT :
NORJAK
(00: Seattle)
Enclosed for Seattle is one envelope containing a cassette tape recording made by Tacoma, Washington, containing in- formation regarding captioned case.
b6 b7C
This tape is being forwarded to Seattle for whatever action deemed appropriate by Seattle.
2 - Seattle 
1}- Portland
b6 b7C
searched
Berialized.
Indexed Piled 164-41-1891
Approved: Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
Per
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1982 0 - 369-895
DB Cooper-43440 SEO 011 PR HQ PD SC DE SE R 2190 18Z DEC 82 FM SEATTLE (164A-81) (P) TO DIRECTOR ROUTINE PORTLAND (164A-41) ROUTINE SACRAMENTO ROUTINE BT
UNCLAS NORJAK. CAA - HIJACKING. 00: SEATTLE.
AN ARTICLE APPEARED IN THE "SEATTLE TIMES" NEWSPAPER,
, STATING THAT ONE OF ,
b6 , b7C OREGON, HAD BEEN HIRED BY
CALIFORNIA; , THE COLUMBIA RIVER BETWEEN PORTLAND AND VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON, IN THE FLIGHT PATH OF THE PLANE THAT WAS HIJACKED.
b7C
APPARENTLY, ON DECEMBER 16, 1992, FOUND A NYLON CORD b6 ABOUT THE SIZE OF THE CORD UNSUB HAD ON ONE OF THE PARACHUTES.
b7C
APPARENTLY, ON DECEMBER 16, 1992, FOUND A NYLON CORD b6 ABOUT THE SIZE OF THE CORD UNSUB HAD ON ONE OF THE PARACHUTES. IN ADDITION, FOUND A PIECE OF CANVAS WHICH, ACCORDING TO strandtil see subsequent. type 51 b6
164A-41-1892
b7C
Ree 4:25 RESTA
DB Cooper-43441
b6 b7C PAGE TWO SE 1644-81 UNCLAS THE NEWSPAPER ARTICLE, COULD ALSO HAVE COME FROM THE HIJACKER. ACCORDING TO THE. NEWSPAPER ARTICLE, THESE ITEMS WERE FORWARDED BY TO TOSAW, WHO IS WRITING A BOOK ON CAPTIONED MATTER, IN ORDER THAT TOSAW CAN AUTHENTICATE THEM.'
FBIHO DESIRES THAT BOTH TOSAW AND 
b6
b7C
1 BE INTERVIEWED TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE IN POSSESSION OF POSSIBLE EVIDENCE IN CAPTIONED MATTER AND IF SO, WILL THEY MAKE SAME AVAILABLE FOR EXAMINATION BY FBI LABORATORY.
PORTLAND AT FLORENCE: INTERVIEW RE ABOVE FOR
b6 b7C
ANY POSITIVE INFORMATION HE MAY HAVE.
SACRAMENTO AT CERES: INTERVIEW RICHARD TOSAW FOR ANY POSITIVE INFORMATION HE MAY HAVE AND IF IN POSSESSION OF ITEMS DESCRIBED ABOVE, DETERMINE IF HE WILL MAKE SAME AVAILABLE FOR FBI LABORATORY EXAMINATION.
AT CERES: INTERVIEW RICHARD TOSAW FOR ANY POSITIVE INFORMATION HE MAY HAVE AND IF IN POSSESSION OF ITEMS DESCRIBED ABOVE, DETERMINE IF HE WILL MAKE SAME AVAILABLE FOR FBI LABORATORY EXAMINATION.
BT
DB Cooper-43442 ₡
FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
CLASSIFICATION:
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype PRECEDENCE: SECRET Immediate TOP SCORET Facsimile Priority CONFIDENTIAL Routine UNCLAS EF TO UNCLAS
Date
12/22/82
3575
0100Z
FM PORTLAND (164-41) TO DIRECTOR (164-2111) ROUTINE
1017Z SEATTLE (164-81) ROUTINE 103871 SACRAMENTO (164-50) ROUTINE
1050Z
UNCLAS
BT
COOPER PORTLAND UNIT, CHIEF CID, REF TELCAL TO FBIHQ AND SUPERVISOR SEATTLE, THIS DATE.
PORTLAND DIVISION HAS RECEIVED MANY INQUIRIES INTO THE IDENTITY OF RICHARD T. TOSAW, PRESIDENT OF TOSAW PUBLISHING COMPANY, 2415 A LAWRENCE ST., CERES, CALIFORNIA, RESULTING FROM FREQUENT STATEMENTS HE HAS MADE ASSOCIATING HIMSELF WITH THE FBI, AND CAPTIONED INVESTIGATION. IN FREQUENT PRESS CONTACTS BY TOSAW HE HAS REPORTED BEING A FORMER FBI AGENT, AND ALLUDES TO AN ONGOING ASSOCIATION WITH SAME AND CAPTIONED
IN FREQUENT PRESS CONTACTS BY TOSAW HE HAS REPORTED BEING A FORMER FBI AGENT, AND ALLUDES TO AN ONGOING ASSOCIATION WITH SAME AND CAPTIONED INVESTIGATION. TOSAW HAS STATED HE IS WRITING A BOOK ABOUT COOPER ENTITLED "D. B. COOPER DEAD OR ALIVE?" WHICH HE HOPES TO RELEASE EARLY IN
164-41-1893

Herrched. Serialized
Indexed.
Mled

 1-Portland
b6 b7C (1)
3515
Approved:
Transmitted 005
All
Per above
(Number)
(Time)
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1982 0 - 369-895 DB Cooper-43443
b6 b7C
b6 b7C8 FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE: Immediate
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority SECRET Routine 
CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EF TO UNCLAS
Date
12/22/82
PAGE TWO PD 164-41 UNCLAS
1983. SOME PRESS SOURCES HAVE HEADLINED HIS ACTIVITIES AS "FORMER FBI AGENT CONTINUES SEARCH" AND "SEARCH FOR COOPER GOES ON, " TO THE EXTENT WHERE PORTLAND HAS FOUND IT NECESSARY
SOME PRESS SOURCES HAVE HEADLINED HIS ACTIVITIES AS "FORMER FBI AGENT CONTINUES SEARCH" AND "SEARCH FOR COOPER GOES ON, " TO THE EXTENT WHERE PORTLAND HAS FOUND IT NECESSARY TO CLARIFY THAT TOSAW IS NO LONGER ASSOCIATED OR EMPLOYED WITH THE FBI. (FBIHQ PERSONNEL DIVISION ADVISED SA
ON NOVEMBER 4, 1982 THAT TOSAW WAS A SPECIAL AGENT FROM MARCH 19, 1951 TO DECEMBER 16, 1955, AND RESIGNED 27. YEARS AGO. )
PORTLAND HAS BEEN ADVISED BY LOCAL NEWS MEDIA SOURCES THAT TOSAW IS "USING" THE FBI TO ESTABLISH CREDIBILITY FOR HIS BOOK AND USING THE PRESS AND HIS "SEARCH" FOR FREE PUBLICITY. FOR THAT REASON MANY LOCAL TV, RADIO STATIONS, AND THE OREGONIAN HAVE RECENTLY REFUSED TO CARRY STORIES CONCERNING HIS ACTIVITIES. THE OREGONIAN, PORTLAND'S MAJOR NEWSPAPER, DID NOT CARRY THE RECENT UPI WIRE SERVICE STORY. SOME PREVIOUS ARTICLES WERE CRITICAL ALMOST RIDICULING, AS THE OREGONIAN ARTICLE OF NOVEMBER 24, 1982, WHICH STATES "ALTHOUGH TOSĄW CLAIMS TO BE
b6 b7C
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
Per DB Cooper-43444
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1982 0 - 369-895FD-36 (Rev.
THE OREGONIAN ARTICLE OF NOVEMBER 24, 1982, WHICH STATES "ALTHOUGH TOSĄW CLAIMS TO BE
b6 b7C
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
Per DB Cooper-43444
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1982 0 - 369-895FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE: Immediate
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority Routine SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EF TO UNCLAS
Date
12/22/82
b6 b7C
PAGE THREE PD 164-41 UNCLAS
SERIOUS ABOUT FINDING COOPER'S PARACHUTE OR OTHER BELONGINGS,
HIS
THE RIVER AT A PAINSTAKINGLY SLOW
PACE WITH A LARGE STEEL RAKE ATTACHED TO A ROPE."
ON DECEMBER 16, 1982, A NEWS SOURCE ADVISED THAT TOSAW RENEWED HIS PUBLICITY EFFORTS, AND THAT A WIRE SERVICE STORY WAS GOING OUT REPORTING FINDINGS OF PORTIONS OF A PARACHUTE AND MONEY SACK, PROBABLY THAT OF COOPER'S. PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE FINDINGS WERE FURNISHED BY THE SOURCE. THE "EVIDENCE" CONSISTED OF NYLON CORD AND A BRIGHT GREEN PORTION OF NYLON CLOTH SIMILAR TO THAT USED ON SAILBOATS. PARACHUTES FURNISHED TO COOPER WERE WHITE, AND THERE WAS NO MONEY SACK ASSOCIATED WITH THE CASE.
CONSISTED OF NYLON CORD AND A BRIGHT GREEN PORTION OF NYLON CLOTH SIMILAR TO THAT USED ON SAILBOATS. PARACHUTES FURNISHED TO COOPER WERE WHITE, AND THERE WAS NO MONEY SACK ASSOCIATED WITH THE CASE.
PORTLAND HAS CAREFULLY CHOSEN TO NEITHER INTERFERE WITH TOSAW'S RIGHT TO PUBLISH A BOOK AND DO RESEARCH ON COOPER, NOR TO INAPPROPRIATELY SPEND GOVERNMENT FUNDS FOLLOWING UP ON MATTERS CLEARLY NOT ASSOCIATED WITH KNOWN FACTS BUT WHICH APPEAR TO BE DERIVED IN THE FURTHERANCE OF A PRIVATE COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE. AS A RESULT, PORTLAND RESPONDED TO THE DELUGE OF NEWS INQUIRIES BY SIMPLY STATING THAT THE DESCRIPTION OF THE ITEMS FOUND DID NOT MATCH THE PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THOSE THAT LEFT THE AIRPLANE WITH MR. COOPER.
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
Per DB Cooper-43445
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1982 0 - 389-895FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE:
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype Immediate TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority SECRET Routine CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS E F TO UNCLAS Date
PAGE FOUR PD 164-41 UNCLAS
PORTLAND IS CONCERNED
Priority SECRET Routine CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS E F TO UNCLAS Date
PAGE FOUR PD 164-41 UNCLAS
PORTLAND IS CONCERNED THAT THE NEEDS OF THE BUREAU AND THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS INVESTIGATION OBJECTIVELY BE MET. PORTLAND IS AWARE OF AND SENSITIVE TO THE NEED TO FULLY RESOLVE ANY PENDING INVESTIGATION, INCLUDING OBTAINING AND ASCERTAINING ANY PERTINENT PHYSICAL EVIDENCE PERTAINING TO SAME. WE ARE COGNIZANT ALSO THAT MR. TOSAW'S EFFORTS, OR ANY OTHER PRIVATE ENDEAVOR, DOES NOT PRECLUDE THE DISCOVERY OF ANY PERTINENT INFORMATION OR EVIDENCE. HOWEVER, ANY INFORMATION, LEAD DATA, PHYSICAL EVIDENCE, ETC., WILL BE EVALUATED IN THE CONTEXT OF KNOWN FACTS, REASONABLENESS, AND ANY OTHER CONSIDERATION WHICH WILL NOT UNNECESSARILY DIMINISH THE INTEGRITY OF OUR INVESTIGATIVE EFFORTS, PARTICULARLY IN THE KIND OF PUBLIC FORUM GENERATED IN THIS KIND OF CASE.
Approved:
Transmitted
Per
(Number)
(Time)
DB Cooper-43446
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1982 0 - 369-895FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE: Immediate
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype ADARE
5-22-78)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE: Immediate
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype ADARE TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority Routine CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EF TU UNCLAS
Date
PAGE FIVE PD 164-41 UNCLAS
SINCE NEITHER THE GREEN CLOTH OR MONEY SACK COULD BE PART OF THIS CASE IT IS RECOMMENDED NO FURTHER ACTION CONCERNING THEM BE TAKEN. IT IS FURTHER THE RECOMMENDATION UACB, THAT ANY LEADS, RESULTING FROM MR. TOSAW'S "SEARCH" BE CLOSELY EVALUATED BY THE RECEIVING OFFICE TO DETERMINE THEIR VALUE IN RELATION TO KNOWN FACTS. ANY RESULTANT ACTION SHOULD BE CAREFULLY CONDUCTED TO AVOID UNNECESSARY PUBLICITY WHICH WOULD INDICATE THE FBI IS CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH MR. TOSAW, THAT HE IS ACTING IN ANY WAY AS A CONSULTANT FOR THE FBI, OR WHICH WOULD FURTHER SERVE AS AN AVENUE OF PUBLICITY TOWARD HIS PUBLICATION. NO PUBLIC COMMENTS SHOULD BE MADE WHICH WOULD JEOPARDIZE HIS ENDEAVOR; HOWEVER, UPON DEMAND LOCAL SOURCES WILL STILL BE APPRISED OF THE FACTS WHICH HAVE LONG BEEN PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE DURING THIS ELEVEN YEAR
PUBLIC COMMENTS SHOULD BE MADE WHICH WOULD JEOPARDIZE HIS ENDEAVOR; HOWEVER, UPON DEMAND LOCAL SOURCES WILL STILL BE APPRISED OF THE FACTS WHICH HAVE LONG BEEN PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE DURING THIS ELEVEN YEAR INVESTIGATION. BT
Approved:
Transmitted
Per
(Number)
(Time)
DB Cooper-43447
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1982 0 - 369-895SF0701 35709067 PP HO PD SC. DE .SE P 2290217 DEC 82. FM SEATTLE (1644-81) (P) TO DIRECTOR, FB.I PRIORITY PORTLAND (1644-41) PRIORITY
SACRAMENTO PRIORITY
BT
JINCLAS
b6 b7C
ATTENTION: SUPERVISOR NORJAK, CAA - HIJACKING, 00 :. SEATTLE. RE SEATTLE TELETYPE TO DIRECTOR DATED NOVEMBER 20, 1982, AND SEATTLE. TELEPHONE CALLS WTIH BUREAU, PORTLAND AND SACRAMENTO DECEMBER 22, - 198 ?. PORTLAND AND SACRAMENTO ARE INSTRUCTED TO HOLD COVERAGE OF LEADS SET FORTH IN. REFERENCED COMMUNCIATION IN ABEYANGE PENDING FURTHER NOTIFICATION FROM. SEATTLE OR FBIHQ . ON DECEMBER 22, 1982, THE PORTLAND DIVISION ADVISED THAT FORMER SA PICHARD TOSAW HAS HAD PREVIOUS DEALINGS WITH PRESS IN THE PORTLAND . DIVISION CONCERNING .CAPTIONED MATTER AND PORTLAND
pecial 6.15 PM
164-41-1894 b6 b7C
SEARCHE SERIALIZE
DEC 22 1982
DB Cooper-43448PAGE TWO SE 1540-21 TINCLAS HAS EXPRESSED: CONCERN THAT
15 PM
164-41-1894 b6 b7C
SEARCHE SERIALIZE
DEC 22 1982
DB Cooper-43448PAGE TWO SE 1540-21 TINCLAS HAS EXPRESSED: CONCERN THAT STATEMENTS TO THE PRESS BY TOSAW RE- GARDING . RELATIONSHIP WITH FBI AND CAPTIONED MATTER ARE SELF- SERVING AND . SUGGESTED THAT FURTHER. CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN MATTER PRIOR. TO INTERVIEW OF TOSAW AND AS REQUESTED IN REFERENCED COMMUNICATION.
b6
b7C
IN VIEW OF THE ABOVE, FBIHQ DESIRES. TO RECONSIDER MATTER PRIOR TO ANY CONTACT WITH TOSAM AND b6
b7C
THEREFORE, PORTLAND WILL. FURNISH FBIHO AND SEATTLE WITH PERTINENT INFORMATION .AS RELATES TO TOSAW AND CAPTIONED MATTER SO THAT MATTER CAN RECEIVE FURTHER CONSIDERATION.
SEATTLE WILL; - UPON RECEIPT OF INFORMATION FROM PORTLAND , REVIEW SAME. AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO BUREAU REGARDING INTERVIEW OF TOSAW. BT
DB Cooper-43449 \michigan
December 290 1982
"Postmaster" Portland, Oregon 97208 To whom it may Concern.
I would Like for you to help me to deliver a Letter to the "Police Department' working on the 'Case' of "THE Amercian Hi-Jacking" in volusting "D.
I would Like for you to help me to deliver a Letter to the "Police Department' working on the 'Case' of "THE Amercian Hi-Jacking" in volusting "D.B. Copper Case"
I will be grateful for your help for passing my Letter on.
Attachment is the Letter to the Police Department, Thank You Very much for your help & time
b6 b7C
b6 ৳7C
11-4-41-1895
SEARCHEL SERIALIZE
b6 JAN 1 : 1: 3 b7c
3450 $b6 b7C
Michigan
December 29th 1982
Portland City or County Sheriff's Department's. Portland, Oregon.
To whom it May Concern.
I'm writing to you about the Case of 'D. B. Copper' When the Story aired in (1971) I've been fowlLing it as Long as it was told . And trying to keep moore information on it , but Lost Contact., So today the program "In Search of" aired the Story.
My throy is that "Copper, D.B? did not Land in the wooded. arca.
But I believe that he Landed in 'MaryLin Laks' pulling the Shoot under- water. Making believe that he Landed in the woods, was there a check under water for the Shoot? I have a thory 'Mr Copper' Could've had a book or a Ski plane waiting for him out of Sight!
Making believe that he Landed in the woods, was there a check under water for the Shoot? I have a thory 'Mr Copper' Could've had a book or a Ski plane waiting for him out of Sight! In my throy I come up with at Least '5' five things they are as flowEs I New indenty
2. NEW Face Lift
3' Living Some where in Canadana or Alaskla, Hawall 4) Leaf the Country or under ground. 5' Or Dead!
DB Cooper-43451 But I believe that Copper has new of the followings and Living as a naborhor and don't know it. However as for the #2. Million Copper D. B., might just might have put it in a oversea . bank !.
I would Like to help work on this case but I Know I am not quierfilged to do so.
But please Concitter this I do hope the person is cought. It feels Like the State was hold up Like a bank: Thank You Very much for your time.
0.
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43452Twchigan
MERCIE _ MICH. PM
USA 2Ot
b6 b7C
Boli Dech 97204
DB Cooper-43453DB Cooper-43454FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype
PRECEDENCE: Immediate
CLASSIFICATION: SECRET AIRTEL TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority
VIA: Teletype
PRECEDENCE: Immediate
CLASSIFICATION: SECRET AIRTEL TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority Routine CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EF TO UNCLAS
Date
2/17/83
TO:
DIRECTOR, FBI
(164-2111)
FROM :
SAC, SEATTLE
(164A-81)
(P)
SUBJECT :
NORJAK
CAA - HIJACKING
00:
Seattle
Re Portland teletype to Bureau, 12/23/82; and Seattle teletype to Bureau, 12/22/82.
The Seattle Division concurs with recommendations of Portland Division in referenced Portland teletype. No contact will be made with Richard Tosaw.
2 - Bureau - Portland 2 - Sacramento 2 - Seattle
(8)
b6 b7C
164-41-1896
SERIALIZI
Per
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
# U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1980-305-750/5:02
DB Cooper-43455
b6 b7CMemorandum
3:In
Subject D. B. Cooper
Date
March 11, 1983
b6
b7C
To Special Agent Federal Bureau of Investigation
From
United States Attorney
Enclosed is some miscellaneous correspondence for your files re the above person.
Encls.
Enclosures te SE mé R/S
164-41-1897
SEARCHED SERIALIZE
INDEXED
MAR 1 5 1983
Fall POR
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43456Memorandum
To
:
Enclosures te SE mé R/S
164-41-1897
SEARCHED SERIALIZE
INDEXED
MAR 1 5 1983
Fall POR
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43456Memorandum
To
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-4] )
Date
6/1/83
SA RALPH P. HIMMELSBACH (RETIRED)
From :
NORJAK;
Subject :
(00: Seattle)
SE file 164-81
BU file 164-2] ]]
On May 16, 1983,
who requested anonymity advised writer that a suspect in captioned case This suspect, is ·
have not heard to be identical with UNSUB.
from in approximately years and believe him
It is suggested suspect by identified at and any logical further investigation be conducted.
b6 b7C
8/1/85 - ms word
b6 b7C
2- Portland
RPH (2)
at attement to verify of can be
b6 b7C
andif
identified at wo, obtain handywould Re OKA infor . Tx 
164.41-18
SEARCHED SERIALIZE
6/1/53
FBI-PORTLAND
b6 b7C b7D
DB Cooper-43457 FD-302 (EV. 3-8-77)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
-1-
Date of transcription. 6/1/83
was interviewed in the living room of her Oregon, telephone number b6 b7C
residence at
She was apprised of the identity of the inter- viewing agents and the purpose of the
6/1/83
was interviewed in the living room of her Oregon, telephone number b6 b7C
residence at
She was apprised of the identity of the inter- viewing agents and the purpose of the interview to obtain more information concerning her belief that Donald Burgess, is D.B. Cooper. furnished the following in- formation concerning her background. She stated her maiden name is . date of birth
b7D
, Social Security
Account Number She stated
, place of birth
·
YBBS
from
was
Donald Olney Burgess and
name is
who lives in and works for
.
advised that she had watched the special on HBO on television concerning D.B. Cooper and the skyjacking. She stated that there was a very strong resemblance in the composite sketch and that of Donald Burgess. She stated she first met
b6 b7C b7D
Donald Olney Burgess in when she was living in California. She was introduced to Donald Burgess through a friend named stated that is married to a
and last known address for them was in Redding, California. She further advised that Donald Burgess had been a of and their family.
? Nevada. While they lived in
California Don worked part time work painting houses and general carpentry work.
While they lived in
California Don worked part time work painting houses and general carpentry work. Together they
b7D
in , California. The
for the
was in Medford, Oregon. She stated that Don Burgess claimed that he was in the U. S. Air Force during World War II. She stated he was not a pilot but that he did do some parachuting. She thought that he might have been stationed around the Denver, Colorado area.
stated she was she discovered
After they
. She stated that as
far as she knew he had no children by any of the She advised his
and discussed
one method was
Investigation on 5/25/83 at
Oregon File # PD 164-07-187 1899
SA SA
b6 b7C
by
Date dictated 5/26/83
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.
FBI/ DOJ
DB Cooper-43458 PD 164-41
-2-
· She stated Burgess own parents Al b7C b7D
b6
after
and Florence Burgess who live in Flint, Michigan,
of in
From
she moved to
Oregon with
stated that
PD 164-41
-2-
· She stated Burgess own parents Al b7C b7D
b6
after
and Florence Burgess who live in Flint, Michigan,
of in
From
she moved to
Oregon with
stated that after
She stated
chat on
last saw Donald Burgess in
· She stated she She advised she was and had
working for the been filling in . She was waiting for to obtain the mail from the Post Office. She was sitting in a motor vehicle in the parking area outside the hotel when she observed Donald Burgess come out of the hotel and stop on the sidewalk and stare at her for several moments. She advised that she was sure that it was Donald Burgess.
b7D
gave the following description of Donald Burgess:

Name	Donald Olney Burgess
Age	61 years
Date of Birth	May 26, 1922
Place of Birth	Unknown city in Texas
Race	Caucasian
Height	6 feet
Weight	170
Hair	Light blond, thin consistency
Physical
Characteristics	Teeth in good condition, slightly bowlegged
b7D
gave the following description of Donald Burgess:

Name	Donald Olney Burgess
Age	61 years
Date of Birth	May 26, 1922
Place of Birth	Unknown city in Texas
Race	Caucasian
Height	6 feet
Weight	170
Hair	Light blond, thin consistency
Physical
Characteristics	Teeth in good condition, slightly bowlegged from the hips to the knees, heavy smoker, brand
Tarytons, favorite drink vodka
Previous addresses	Los Angeles, California area
during grade school and high
school.
Possible present
location	In the Fairbanks, Anchorage area
of Alaska
Parents	Al and Florence Burgess, Flint,
Michigan
Brother	Robert Burgess, approximate age 63 years, Flint,
the Fairbanks, Anchorage area
of Alaska
Parents	Al and Florence Burgess, Flint,
Michigan
Brother	Robert Burgess, approximate age 63 years, Flint, Michigan

b7D
DB Cooper-43459 -3-
PD 164-41
advised
. She ad-
vised that since the
believes that Donald Burgess is D.B. Cooper and explains the alias D.B. Cooper as follows: She stated that the "D" in D. B. Cooper stands for Donald. The "B" for Burgess. She explained the last name of Cooper as follows: She stated that Donald Burgess' uncle was an Olney Craft. She stated that he odolized his uncle who was a financier from Flint, Michigan. She stated that Cooper could have been derived from the first initial of Craft for the "C" in Cooper. The "0" in Cooper from Olney, the first name of his uncle, Olney Craft.
advised that she believes Donald Burgess is living in either Fairbanks or Anchorage, Alaska but has no actual facts to support this. She furnished to agents a black and white photograph dated depicting four people in a The male subject on the far right of the photograph is Donald Burgess.
She furnished to agents a black and white photograph dated depicting four people in a The male subject on the far right of the photograph is Donald Burgess. advised that she would contact the Bend Office of the FBI if she had any additional information concerning Donald Burgess.
৳7D
b7D
b7D
DB Cooper-43460FD-36 (Rev. 8-26-82)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET Facsimile Teletype SECRET CONFIDENTIAL AIRTEL UNCLAS EF TO UNCLAS Date 6/20/83
TO :
SAC, SEATTLE (164A-81)
P
FROM :
SAC, PORTLAND (164A-41) (AUe)
SUBJECT :
CODE NAME :
NORJACK
(00: Seattle)
1
Enclosed for Seattle is an original and one copy of an FD-302 reflecting the interview of Oregon , on 5/25/83.
b7D
For information of Seattle, was interviewed in- reference to her belief that DONALD BURGESS ,. might be D.B. COOPER. It should be noted that there are some obvious discrepancies in description between the two subjects, in that DONALD BURGESS is approximately six feet tall and had light blond
It should be noted that there are some obvious discrepancies in description between the two subjects, in that DONALD BURGESS is approximately six feet tall and had light blond hair.
In view of the obvious discrepancy, further action taken in this matter should be at the discretion of Seattle.
164.41-1900
-2 - Seattle 1
Portland
Searched Serialized Indexed Filed
b6 b7C
Approved:
Transmitted
Per
(Number)
(Time)
DB Cooper-43461
b7DMemorandum
Subject
United States v. John Doe, aka Dan Cooper
No. CR 76-229
Our File Number: 76-2004
Date
September 27, 1983
To
From
Supervisor
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Portland, Oregon
b6 b7C
We have received an interesting Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request from one concerning our D.B. Cooper file. b6
A copy of the request is attached hereto as Exhibit A, as well as a copy of the envelope in which it arrived at the Justice Department in Washington and what purports to be yet a prior request for the same material.
b7C
The tenor of the letter from displays, to me, an unhealthy interest in the status of "D.
b7C
The tenor of the letter from displays, to me, an unhealthy interest in the status of "D.B. Cooper" vis a vis the Federal Statute of Limitations. See page 2 of the handwritten letter.
b6 b7C
The spelling and grammar contained in the letter from as he styles himself, combined with the postmark on the envelope coming from Texas while the return address is in North Carolina, leaves some questions up in the air.
This information is provided to you for whatever use you may wish to make of it.
Thank you
Encls.
b6 b7C
164-41-1901
DB Cooper-43462
b6 b7C 3Eb $ 3 1683
it is very important to my Research also I have tried to get copies of the FBI Reports and I would Like to know why After 12 YEARS they won't Release them. Isn't there Laws that say AFTER so many YEARS the hacker can not be tried on the crime: He did ?
Please note my change of Address and could you please send me A. CetteER letting me know that you have Received my letter and Answering my few questions
Sincerely,
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43464b6 b7C
Candlel, NC
ACHITA + /-LS.
CetteER letting me know that you have Received my letter and Answering my few questions
Sincerely,
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43464b6 b7C
Candlel, NC
ACHITA + /-LS. T) PM
USA. 20c
17 St 1983
1629
U.S Dept of Justice Executive office FOR U.S. Attorneys Washington, D.C. 20535
Att
FOLA
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43465 b6 b7C
Hampton, Va.
Type VA C
BEB
25 April 1983
Department of Justice Washington, D.C.20530
Gentlemen:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552 I am requesting access to records on the 24 Nov. 1971 hijacking of Northwest flight 305 by Dan Copper.
1- Are there any Complaint for Violation documents?
2- Are there any Statute of Limitations for this case.
If all or any part of. this request is denied, please cite the specifi exemptions which you think justifies your refusal to release the information, and inform me of the appeal procedures available to me under the law.
I would appreciate your handling this request as quickly as possible, and I look forward to hearing from you within 10 days, as the law stipulates.
I would appreciate your handling this request as quickly as possible, and I look forward to hearing from you within 10 days, as the law stipulates.
Sincerely.
b6 b7C
Hampton, . Va.
PIMENT 'D. TICE
MAY 2 12 03 PM '83
FREEDENT.F :4FORMATION
AND PRIVACY ACT ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT
ADMINISTRATIVE UNIX AND PRIVACY ACT
FRELOCH OT HU CI ATION
AFR 32 82 03 PM 'S
RECEIVED
ICE
b6 b7C
MAY 1 6 1983
DB Cooper-43466A
Volunteer. lend a hand
LISA 20c
Department of Justice Washington, D. C. 20530.
VAIL 2 18 PH '83 LIND 7: 1.0-4.
FOIA 6239 MAIN
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43467Memorandum
To
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (RUC)
Date
10/12/83
From :
SA
Subject :
NORJACK
(00: Seattle)
SE file 164-81
BU file 164-211
Re memo of SA RALPH P. HIMMELSBACH (retired) , 6/1/83.
On 8/1/83, the files of the Oregon State Penitentiary
and Oregon State Correctional Institute were checked for any
record of a
·
No records for a were located at either institution.
On 8/29/83, SA HIMMELSBACH was telephonically contacted and advised that no record was available on He stated he would recontact his source and attempt to obtain more descriptive data regarding
b6 b7C
b6 b7C 1-
On 8/29/83, SA HIMMELSBACH was telephonically contacted and advised that no record was available on He stated he would recontact his source and attempt to obtain more descriptive data regarding
b6 b7C
b6 b7C 1- Portland
Rue 10/12/83
164-41-1902
SEARCHED SERIALIZED
OCT 1 3 1983
FBI-POR
- 1* -
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43468 Airtel
11/21/83
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164A-81)
FROM :
SAC, PORTLAND (164A-41) (RUC)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
(00: Seattle)
Enclosed for Seattle are copies of five documents regarding captioned case.
Seattle is being provided the above described enclosures for whatever action it deems appropriate.
1 - Seattle (Bnc. 5) -. Portland
& 16414-41-1903
Searchnd Serializer Indezed. Filed
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43469Federal Bureau of Investigation 1500 SW Ist Portland, OR
Gentlemen:
I was studying the July 3rd edition of Northwest Magazine's composite picture of the famous D.B. Cooper and saw a very close resemblance to a student from one of my old yearbooks. The coincidence that the name is almost the same is probably why it may not be the hi-jacker; but the drawing sure looks like an older version of the man in the yearbook.
The coincidence that the name is almost the same is probably why it may not be the hi-jacker; but the drawing sure looks like an older version of the man in the yearbook. Sorry about the quality of the zerox picture, the yearbook original is of a much better quality.
Sincerly,
Milwaukie, OR
b6 b7C
Age fustar elementes this individed.
164-41-1904

SEARCHE
SERIALIZ	INDEXER
FILED
NOV 2 8 1983 FBI --- PORTLAND

b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43470 Northwest Magazine, Sunday, July 3, 1983
The D.B. Cooper tale with a 'ho-ho-ho'
I f anyone out there still cares about more than the carnival aspects of "The Legend of D.B. Cooper," Signum Books Ltd. of Portland has published a paperback titled "Ha-Ha-Ha" - by none other than "D.B. Cooper."
Cooper, if anyone can forget, was the now-near-mythical skyjacker who bailed out of a jetliner over southwest- ern Washington on Nov. 24, 1971, tak- ing with him $200,000 in ransom money and creating a mystery yet to be solved.
can forget, was the now-near-mythical skyjacker who bailed out of a jetliner over southwest- ern Washington on Nov. 24, 1971, tak- ing with him $200,000 in ransom money and creating a mystery yet to be solved.
The FBI, however, considers the perennial phantom dead. On Feb. 12, 1980, 8-year-old Brian Ingram, playing along the Columbia River nine miles northwest of Vancouver, Wash., found three bundles containing weather- beaten $20 bills in 12 packets. The bills were traced to-Cooper's haul, pre- sumably scattered when the man bel- lied into the ground.
"Ha-Ha-Ha" publishers, however, refuse to let Cooper quietly mold, and have resurrected his nom de plume to create another mystery: Who wrote the book, allegedly a semi-fictional, first-person account of the incident?
According to publicist Ivars Bezde- chi, executive producer of BOSCOM Media Creations, " 'D).B. Cooper' is the pen name of an Oregon writer whose identity will be revealed in due time."
This, of course, creates another mystery - How many times can left- overs be reheated?
The gimmick in this public rela- tions ploy is that the book contains seven clues that can lead a reader to the location of Cooper's "Big Score.
The gimmick in this public rela- tions ploy is that the book contains seven clues that can lead a reader to the location of Cooper's "Big Score." A certificate on the back of the book, Signum's first, promises $200,000 to the person uncovering the alleged trave.
Northwest Pages
By Paul Pintarich Book review editor, The Oregonian
'D.B. Cooper' as sketched by the FBI in 1971.
Northwest poet.
In 1967 Hanson received a fellow- ship in writing as part of a Rockefeller Foundation Grant to Reed in humani- ties. In 1972, he received a commission from the Asia Society (New York) for translations of the poems of T'ang Dy- nasty poet Han Yu; in 1973-'74 the Amy Lowell Traveling Poetry Scholar- ship; in 1976-'77 a National Endow- ment for the Arts grant for poetry; and another NEA award in 1981-'82.
A native of Idaho, Hanson has had work published in 14 anthologies, and . his poems appear regularly in national magazines.
Reed was the first western liberal arts college to receive an endowment from the William R. Kenan Jr. Chari- table Trust, established in 1966.
Reed was the first western liberal arts college to receive an endowment from the William R. Kenan Jr. Chari- table Trust, established in 1966. The distinguished professorship is perpetu- al, one of 54 such grants awarded since the program began.
" Designed to enhance the quality and effectiveness of teaching and the teacher-student relationship at the un- dergraduate level, the grants are given directly to privately supported schools of high academic standing,
Hanson has been a major contribu- tor to the development of freshman and sophomore humanities at Reed, where he teaches poetry.
[]
Portland State University English Professor Sam Oakland has been awarded a National Endowment in the Humanities Fellowship in Internation- al Studies at the University of Con- necticut this summer. Oakland will work on a paper titled: "Containing the Chinese Dragon: A Study of the Non-recognition Policy of the United States of America,"
Antaland a me what af then DOTT for DB Cooper-43471Memorandum
To :
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) 
From : SA
Date
3/7/84
Subject :
NORJACK
(00: Seattle)
1
Gladstone, Oregon,
telephone , advised the
the United States of America,"
Antaland a me what af then DOTT for DB Cooper-43471Memorandum
To :
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) 
From : SA
Date
3/7/84
Subject :
NORJACK
(00: Seattle)
1
Gladstone, Oregon,
telephone , advised the Portland FBI Office on 2/28/84, that after viewing a composite of D. B. COOPER during a television program "In Search of" on 2/26/84, he thought the composite shown closely resembled in Roseburg, Oregon, named LNU) .
occasions driving
explained that he has seen (LNU) on several between Roseburg and b6 b7C
Portland, on Interstate 5. On two occasions in the
(LNU) at Tom-Tom Restaurant, Interstate 5, Albany, Oregon.
talked with could not recall whether or not (LNU) told him his name or whether he just heard his name through a waitress at Tom-Tom. (LNU) did not talk much but did express that he owned
b6 a Toyota Jeep for which he replaced the engine and a used Oldsmobile b7C car. recalled he wondered why (LNU) was so thrift conscious since also recalled that (LNU)
was quite observant of what went on around him during their brief conversations and was always alone.
recalled he wondered why (LNU) was so thrift conscious since also recalled that (LNU)
was quite observant of what went on around him during their brief conversations and was always alone.
described (LNU) as follws:
Race
Caucasian
Age
Height
5'5"-5'6"
Weight
160 pounds
Dark brown
Eyes Hair Light brown, short and receding
date of birth is
He is presently employed at work telephone is +
his Social Security No. b6 b7C
i.s
·
Portland
1
(2)
164-41-1905
SEARCH SF . AL
FIND
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43473 Memorandum
To : SAC, PORTLAND (164-41)
From ,
Date 9/2/84
Subject : NORJACK (00: SEATTLE)
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
At 12:50 P.M., writer was contacted by a , Portland, OR., tel. number
Caller stated on the 31st of August 1984, he had found a parachute riser Parachute riser was described as in poor condition (weathered). Riser was found on the beach of the Columbia River. Parachute riser was partical buried in the sand.
be Caller believes this item mayAconnected to hijacker D.B. COOPER.
SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION
1-Portland
b6 b7C
164A-41-1906
SEARCHED
INDEXED
SERIALIZED FILED
3
Foi "re.
SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION
1-Portland
b6 b7C
164A-41-1906
SEARCHED
INDEXED
SERIALIZED FILED
3
Foi "re.xi-And
DB Cooper-43474 b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43475Memorandum
To
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41)
Date
9/26/84
From
:
IA
Subject :
NORJACK
00:
SEATTLE
Re memo SPC WEST 9/2/84.
Portland, Oregon, appeared in person at the Portland Office at 12:05 p.m. on 9/4/84.
The above individuals brought in the parachute riser which they had located on 8/31/84.
The above riser was inspected by Supervisor and as no serial numbers could be located on the item, it is not possible to determine if this piece of equipment was or was not utilized in this investigation.
The parachute riser was returned to
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
164A-41-1906X-1 SEARCHED INDEXE
SERIALIZED LED
FBI-FORILAND
:
DB Cooper-43476
b6 b7C Memorandum
C/A
b6 b7C
To
SUPERVISOR
Date
5/15/84
b6 b7C
SAC THEODORE M. GARDNER
Subject :
VALUABLE EXHIBITS
Rememo ASAC 5/11/84 listing valuable exhibits which were transferred from the safe deposit boxes at the Crown Plaza Branch, U.
GARDNER
Subject :
VALUABLE EXHIBITS
Rememo ASAC 5/11/84 listing valuable exhibits which were transferred from the safe deposit boxes at the Crown Plaza Branch, U. S. National Bank of Oregon, Portland, Oregon, to the security-type, fireproof safe in the Bulky Exhibit Room.
The following cases which have valuable exhibits in the Bulky Exhibit Room are now closed. You should review these files to ascertain whether the exhibits can be returned to the appropriate agency. If the exhibits cannot be returned for some reason, so indicate on this memorandum.
File No. . Seal #
Remarks
91-9481-1B4
91-9523-1B16 91-9523-1B46 91-9796-1B1 91-10023-1B1 91-10120-1BI 91-10134-1B1
91-10138-1B2
91-10138-1B3
91-10138-1B4
91-10161-1B2 91-10171-IB3 91-10173-1BI 164-41-1B3 164-41-1B4
( 2 - each file (22) 1 - 1 - 1241
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
money comment he returned as case is mot solved (NORJAK
164-41-1907

SEARCHED	INDEXED
SERIALIZED.	FILE



MAY 1 5 1984 FBI -PORTLAND
DB Cooper-43477 164A-41-1908
SEARCHED INDEXED
CERIALIZE LED
JAN 17 1985
FILE



MAY 1 5 1984 FBI -PORTLAND
DB Cooper-43477 164A-41-1908
SEARCHED INDEXED
CERIALIZE LED
JAN 17 1985 IL - PORTLAND
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43478 14
b6 b7C
Carson City new. Dec 30. 1984
Dear Sir Do you have a FBI offices in Portland. Oregon, named Theodore Gardener? I'write him several week ago , that I thought I know where ID Copper was. bexplained he was in Elk City Idoks) Up in the Boon Docks. He's nome is this girl friend is . She J
b6 b7C
works at Saw mill at Elk City, Iso worked there until this fall, then I had a massive Heart attack). They lure an a
b6 always Carries a gun + they have 2 Pery nasty Dogs. DB-Cooper-43479
b7C
CORRESPONDENCE
is a I workall the Nonis an Columbia River, the last one0-9 (Rev. 8-16-79)

TRANSMIT VIA:	AIRTEL
CLASSIFICATION:

DATE:
1/15/85

FROM:	Director, FBI
TO:	SAC, Seattle ( 164A-81)

 Portland
NORJAK KY-11- 00: SEATTLE
b6 b7C
Enclosed for receiving offices is one copy each
FBI
TO:	SAC, Seattle ( 164A-81)

 Portland
NORJAK KY-11- 00: SEATTLE
b6 b7C
Enclosed for receiving offices is one copy each of a
letter sent to FBIHQ, from , Carson City, Nevada.
The enclosed letter from. states that she possibly knows the identify of D. B. Cooper. She claims to have previously written to the SAC, Portland furnishing this information and would like the reward if her information led to the true identify of D. B. Cooper.
Portland should review the information contained in this letter and thereafter, take the appropriate action deemed necessary
b6 b7C
Enclosu CY
1/ 12/85
2 allempt made to telephonevaly
b6 content Migration Contacto No further action berg
do call and thank his for Der info . Ix
164A-41-1909
b7C
SEARCHED INDEYER SERIALIZED FILED
JAN 1 7 1985
EBL-PORTLAND
FBI/DOJ DB Cooper-43483 FD-36 (Rev. 8-26-82)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype Facsimile AIRTEL
FBI
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS ET TO :
AIRTEL
FBI
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS ET TO UNCLAS Date 3/15/85
TO:
DIRECTOR, FBI
(164-2111}
FROM:
SAC, SACRAMENTO
(164A-50)
(P)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
CAA - HIJACKING (A)
00: Seattle
Re Bureau telephone call of Supervisor
Personal Crimes Unit, to SA
Sacramento Division, 3/14/85, and telcall of SA
to SA
Seattle Division, 3/14/85.
For the information of the Bureau and all receiving offices, on 3/14/85, one
a white female, date of birth who resides at Sacramento, California, provided the following information:
When she was approximately years of age, she
to one a white male, now believed
to be approximately years old. At the time of this both were living in Patchgrove, Wisconsin, and had known each other for approximately
As time went on, She lost contact with and only saw him once in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, when she was approximately years old. At that time, he had married and settled down.
2 - Bureau 2 - Butte 2 - Milwaukie 2 Portland (164A-41) 2 - Seattle (164A-81) 2 -
At that time, he had married and settled down.
2 - Bureau 2 - Butte 2 - Milwaukie 2 Portland (164A-41) 2 - Seattle (164A-81) 2 - Sacramento (12)
Approved:
Transmitted
Per
(Number)
(Time)
164A-41-1910
MIOoruro
SEARCHED. SERIALIZED MAR I O 1965 FBI - PORTLAND
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43484
b6 b7C
b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C FD-36 (Rev. 8-26-82)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype 
ATRTEL
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
FBI
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET Facsimile SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLASE F TO UNCLAS 3/20/85
Date

TO:	DIRECTOR, FBI	(164-2111)
FROM :	SAC, SACRAMENTO	(164A-50) (P)

NORJAK;
CAA-HIJACKING (A)
00:
Seattle
Re Sacramento airtel to the Bureau dated 3/15/85.
On 3/19/85, was again contacted by a Bureau Agent at her residence in Sacramento, California. indicated that she had not reestablished contact with but this was not unusual inasmuch as she has been busy with
indicated that she had not reestablished contact with but this was not unusual inasmuch as she has been busy with out of town relatives.
indicated during the interview that she wished to cooperate in any manner with the FBI in order to determine if in fact is the individual who hijacked captioned airplane. She indicated that she would in future contacts with
of the hijacking. She stated should he agree to this she would immediately notify Sacramento Office of the FBI and when they were receive she would furnish them to the FBI for the appropriate action.
Sacramento is following this matter with and will report any future contacts by with
DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE CRIME SUBJECT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
2-Bureau
2-Seattle (164A-81)
2-Butte 2-Sacramento
2-Milwaukee
Approved:
Portland (164A-41+
Transmitted
(12)
Per
164A-41-1911
(Number)
(Time)
INDEN
SEARCHED FILED
5 1935
# .... PORT!
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1984 0 - 449-4
DB Cooper-43490
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C FD-36 (Rev.
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1984 0 - 449-4
DB Cooper-43490
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C FD-36 (Rev. 8-26-82)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype AIRTEL
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
FBI
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET Facsimile SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EFTO UNCLAS Date 3/29/85
TO:
DIRECTOR, FBI (146-2111)
FROM :
SAC, SACRAMENTO (164A-50) (P)
NORJAK
CAA-HIJACKING (A)
00: SEATTLE
Re Sacramento airtel to the Bureau, dated 3/15 and3/20/85.
On 3/21/85,
was reinterviewed and
furnished the following information:
On the evening of 3/19/85, she re-established
contact with
in Billings, Montana. She
and attempted captioned hijacking. She was only partially successful, inasmuch as
did obtain the following background information regarding .
During I he resided somewhere near
in Denver, Colorado. He claimed
and
that he had been formerly did
He has four children, two boys and two girls.
During I he resided somewhere near
in Denver, Colorado. He claimed
and
that he had been formerly did
He has four children, two boys and two girls. The two boys evidently reside in the Billings, Montana area and are named indicated to that recently
2- Bureau 2- Butte 2- Milwaukee
ARMED AND DANGEROUS 2- Portland (164A-41) 2- Seattle (164A-81) 2- Sacramento
(12)
164A-41-1912
Approved:
Transmitted
Per
b6
(Number)
(Time)
b7C
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1984 0 - 449-465 DB Cooper-43491
b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7CSC 164A-50
provide positively that he is in fact D. E. COOPER. In view of this, Sacramento request that future communications in this matter be forwarded to the Sacramento Division as well as the office of origin.
Additionally, should any office wish to have ask any particular question, Sacramento should be advised as to that particular questioned and it will. be relayed to M
b7D
For further information of the Bureau and office of origin, due to hte current file destruction program, Sacramento is not in possession of the first five volumes of the investigation in captioned matter and therefore is not
be relayed to M
b7D
For further information of the Bureau and office of origin, due to hte current file destruction program, Sacramento is not in possession of the first five volumes of the investigation in captioned matter and therefore is not knowledgeable in the direction of the original investi- gation.
Therefore, if any technical questions arise, Sacra- mento will need to be advised as to the background nature of those questions.
Sacramento is maintaining contact with and will furnish all information on a priority basis.
b7D
DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE CRIME, SUBJECT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
4 *
DB Cooper-43494S
BT0001 1020438Z RR HO SE SC PD DE BT R 120438Z APR 85 FM BUTTE (164A-26) (P) TO DIRECTOR, FBI (146-2111) SAC, SEATTLE (164A-81) (ROUTINE) SAC, SACRAMENTO (164A-50) ( ROUTINE) SAC, PORTLAND (164A-41) (ROUTINE) * BT UNCLAS
NORJAK, CAA - HIJACKING (A), 00: SEATTLE RE SACRAMENTO AIRTEL TO BUREAU, MARCH 29, 1985. ON APRIL 10, 1985 , (PROTECT IDENTITY ), b6
b7C
,- MONTANA, WAS CONTACTED FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING THE b7D
LOCATION OF IS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY
ADVISED RESIDENCE
, MONTANA. A PHYSICAL CHECK
DETERMINED THE RESIDENCE TO BE.
, (PROTECT IDENTITY ), b6
b7C
,- MONTANA, WAS CONTACTED FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING THE b7D
LOCATION OF IS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY
ADVISED RESIDENCE
, MONTANA. A PHYSICAL CHECK
DETERMINED THE RESIDENCE TO BE. A CABIN ON PROPERTY OWNED BY OF BILLINGS, MONTANA.
AT THE SAME TIME CASE AGENT VIEWING RESIDENCE OF
,
SUBJECT
b6
b7C
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
REC 7 8364.
164A-41-1913 b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43495 PAGE TWO (164A-26) UNCLAS
HIMSELF APPEARED UNSOLICITED AT THE FBI OFFICE, BILLINGS, MONTANA, FOR THE PURPOSE OF VOICING A COMPLAINT CONCERNING A b6
b7C OF HIM BY THE COLUMBUS, MONTANA; PD ON DID NOT HAVE MONEY FOR BOND, THUS, BY DISTRICT JUDGE (STILLWATER
COUNTY )
THE NATURE OF HIS COMPLAINT
·
DUE TO THE
FACT THAT SA INTERVIEWING WAS AWARE OF THE CAPTIONED CASE, THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WAS OBTAINED (PRESENTLY BEING PLACED IN FORM OF FD-302) :
0
NAME
b6 b7C
SEX
MALE
EYES
BLUE (GLASSES)
WEIGHT
180 POUNDS
'HEIGHT
5'8" BLOND
HAIR
DOB
DRIVER'S LICENSE NUMBER AUTOMOBILE 1983 FORD PICKUP, MONTANA LIC
TELEPHONE NUMBER
DB Cooper-43496 PAGE THREE (164A-26) UNCLAS EMPLOYMENT
b6 b7C
REEDPOINT, MONTANA
TELEPHONE NUMBER
SA INTERVIEWING
ALSO RECOGNIZED HIM AS SUBJECT OF.
PICKUP, MONTANA LIC
TELEPHONE NUMBER
DB Cooper-43496 PAGE THREE (164A-26) UNCLAS EMPLOYMENT
b6 b7C
REEDPOINT, MONTANA
TELEPHONE NUMBER
SA INTERVIEWING
ALSO RECOGNIZED HIM AS SUBJECT OF. b6 b7C
CASE
OPENED MARCH, 1983, WHEREIN
AT BILLINGS,
MONTANA,
INFORMATION FROM FILE CURRENTLY BEING REVIEWED.
TAKEN AT THE TIME OF AND BEING b6 b7C FORWARDED TO FBI, BILLINGS, MONTANA.
PHOTO OF
SEATTLE DIVISION AT SEATTLE, WASHINGTON. WILL FURNISH BUTTE WITH DESCRIPTION OF ALL PHYSICAL EVIDENCE AND DATA CONCERNING UNSUB TO INCLUDE ARTIST'S CONCEPTION.
BUTTE DIVISION AT BILLINGS, MONTANA. MAINTAIN COVERAGE OF AT BILLINGS AND REEDPOINT, MONTANA AND DEVELOP INFORMATION REGARDING HIS ACTIVITIES, ETC.
b6
b7C
WILL FURNISH SEATTLE WITH PHOTOGRAPH RECEIVED FROM COLUMBUS MONTANA, PD.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
BI
DB Cooper-43497
X 164-11-1914
SEARCHED
FI-ACMILAND b6 b7C
INCEST SERIALIZED
DB Cooper-43498FD-36 (Rev. 8-26-82)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype Facsimile AIRTEL
FBI
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
CLASSIFICATION: 8 TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL
AIRTEL
FBI
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
CLASSIFICATION: 8 TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCIAS EFTO UNCLAS Date 4/16/85
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164A-81)
FROM:
SAC, BUTTE (164A-26)(P)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
CAA - HIJACKING
00: Seattle
Re Sacramento airtel to Bureau, 3/15/85.
Enclosed for Seattle and Portland Divisions are two copies each of a driver's license of one which license was obtained from the Montana Highway Patrol, Records Section Helena, Montana.
b6 b7C
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
2 - Seattle ( Enc. 2) (AM) 2 - Portland (164A-41) (Inc. 2) (AM) 2 - Butte
b6 b7C
(6)
164-41-1915
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)

STASCHEN	INDAS.A
SERI/ LIZED
Per

b6 - b7C
ISO
tiU.S. Government Printing Office: 19 F.FCMUND
DB Cooper-43500FD-302 (Rev. 3-10-82)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Date of transcription 4/22/85
1
voluntarily appeared in the Billings Resident Agency of the FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION and stated that
STILLWATER COUNTY SHERIFF and the Justice of the
3-10-82)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Date of transcription 4/22/85
1
voluntarily appeared in the Billings Resident Agency of the FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION and stated that
STILLWATER COUNTY SHERIFF and the Justice of the Peace of Stillwater County for a
then explained that on while travelling from Columbus, Montana, to his residence located
b6 b7C , Montana, he was by the MONTANA HIGHWAY PATROL. , however
admitted that he
was given a notice to
appear in court at Columbus, Montana, on
stated that he did appear in court on the aforementioned date, and the Judge, (KOBER) , asked him if he was guilty or not guilty.
advised that he wanted to however, Judge KOBER advised him he
stated that the Judge evidently felt he b6 b7C
in the Stillwater County Jail. Inasmuch as he
Stillwater County Jail
advised that on some occasions, it was
stated that he feels
by the Judge and the
CARBON COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT.
Investigation on 4/10/85 at Billings, Montana File # BT. 164A-26
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
by SA
Date dictated 4/11/85 b6 b7C
164A-41-1916
This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI.
164A-26
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
by SA
Date dictated 4/11/85 b6 b7C
164A-41-1916
This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI.
It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; contents are not to be distributed outside your agency.
itSEABONED, i +G. INDEXED SERIALIZED FILED JUN 3 1985 FBI -- PORTLAND
DB Cooper-43501 Memorandum
To
:
SAC, SEATTLE (164A-81)
Date
5/29/85
From
SAC, BUTTE (164A-26) (₽)
Subject :
NORJAK
CAA-HIJACKING
00: SEATTLE
Re Butte airtel to Seattle, dated 4/16/85.
- - - Enclosed for Seattle, Sacramento, and Portland are two copies each of an FD-302 revealing an interview of b6 b7C
at Billings, Montana, on 4/10/85. It should be noted that this was the interview conducted when appeared unsolicited at the FBI Office in Billings, Montana.
Butte holding in abeyance further investigation awaiting requested material from Seatte, request made by Butte teletype, , dated 4/12/85.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
2 - Seattle (Enc. 2 - Sacramento (Enc.) (164A-50) (2) - Portland (Enc. 2)(164A-41)
(8) 2 - Butt-
b6 b7C
164A-41-1917
INTEHED
SEARCHED SERIALIZED b6 .
) (164A-50) (2) - Portland (Enc. 2)(164A-41)
(8) 2 - Butt-
b6 b7C
164A-41-1917
INTEHED
SEARCHED SERIALIZED b6 ... b7c
JUN 3 1965 FBI -- PORTLAND
DB Cooper-43504 Memorandum
To : SAC, PORTLAND ( 164-41
)
Date
3/20/85
From :
AOSM
Subject :
SEMI-ANNUAL BULKY INVENTORY OF
PROPERTY ACQUIRED AS EVIDENCE
b6 b7C
This file has evidence/property located in bulky exhibits. During the semi-annual inventory, the case agent or other agent designated by the squad supervisor must review the case to determine if the evidence/property is to be retained.
If the evidence/property is to be retained, the agent should initial and date the appropriate space on the case file copy of the FD-192. The agent should also note on this memo that the evidence/property is to be retained.
If the evidence/property can be returned to the contributor or otherwise disposed, the agent should note this on the case file copy of the FD-192 and also on this memo. The agent is responsible for obtaining authorization to dispose of or return the evidence/property to the contributor.
The agent is responsible for obtaining authorization to dispose of or return the evidence/property to the contributor. Agent should coordinate the return or disposal of the evidence/property with the bulky clerk.
This memo and file should be returned to by March 27, 1985.
b6 b7C
BULKY EXHIBITS TO BE REVIEWED 1B3,4,5
RETAIN EVIDENCE/PROPERTY
Agent's intials
5/27/85
Date
EVIDENCE/PROPERTY IS TO BE DISPOSED OF AS FOLLOWS:
104-41-1918
SEARCHED SERIALIZED INDEVED
FILED b6 b7C
MAR 2, 2 1935
DB Cooper-43505File - Serial Charge Cut FD-5 (Rev. 10-13-89)
Date
2.11.97
File
164-41
Class.
Office of Origin
Case No.
Last Serial Pending Closed

Serial No.	Description of Serial	Date Charged
1919	Messina when Luciana	Cool
Can't Decorated

Do Not Gomore

<
Last Serial Pending Closed

Serial No.	Description of Serial	Date Charged
1919	Messina when Luciana	Cool
Can't Decorated

Do Not Gomore

b6
b7C
Empioyou
RECHARGE
Date
To
From
Initials of Clerk
Date
₹
Date charged
Employee
Location
FPI-RBK
DB Cooper-43506FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype
PRECEDENCE: Immediate
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority SECRET CONFIDENTIAL AIRTEL Routine UNOLAS EF TO UNCLAS
Date
9/5/85

TO:	SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM :	SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (RUC)

NORJAK (00: Seattle) Bufile 164-2111
Enclosed herewith
UNOLAS EF TO UNCLAS
Date
9/5/85

TO:	SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM :	SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (RUC)

NORJAK (00: Seattle) Bufile 164-2111
Enclosed herewith is a personal letter relating to captioned matter received by SA RALPH P. HIMMELSBACH (retired), for whatever action Seattle deems appropriate.
On 7/3/85, Former SA
now retired and living in Neodesha, Kansas, directed a personal letter to SA HIMMELSBACH (retired), in captioned
matter, advising that he had a possible suspect in mind and requesting information about the case. He was provided the basic facts, and then sent enclosed letter to SA HIMMELSBACH identifying his suspect as FOSTER WHITE COOPER, DOB 5/17/18. From information set forth by it appears that COOPER may be considered a possible suspect.
It should be noted that has expressed a great reluctance to be identified as the source of this suggested suspect, and his request that his name not be disclosed should be respected.
2 - Seattle (Enc. 1) - Portland
1641-41-1920
Searched
- 1* -
Serialized
Indexed
Fitoct .
Approved:
Transmitted
rer
(Number)
(Time)
U.
1) - Portland
1641-41-1920
Searched
- 1* -
Serialized
Indexed
Fitoct .
Approved:
Transmitted
rer
(Number)
(Time)
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1982 0 - 369-895
DB Cooper-43507
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C Memorandum
To
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41)
Date 8/26/85
From :
AOSM
Subject :
SEMI-ANNUAL BULKY INVENTORY OF
PROPERTY ACQUIRED AS EVIDENCE
b6 b7C
This file has evidence located in bulky exhibits. During the semi-annual inventory, the case agent or other agent designated by the squad supervisor must review the case to determine if the evidence is to be retained.
If the evidence is to be retained, the agent should initial and date the appropriate space on the case file copy of the FD-192. The agent should also note on this memo that the evidence is to be retained.
If the evidence can be returned to the contributor or otherwise disposed, the agent should note this on the case file copy of the FD-192 and also on this memo. The agent has the responsibility for obtaining authorization from the U.
If the evidence can be returned to the contributor or otherwise disposed, the agent should note this on the case file copy of the FD-192 and also on this memo. The agent has the responsibility for obtaining authorization from the U. S. Attorney to dispose evidence. The agent, not the bulky clerk, is responsible for the return or disposal of the evidence.
The above should be completed and returned to no later than COB 9/27/85.
b6 b7C
BULKY EXHIBITS TO BE REVIEWED
RETAIN EVIDENCE
1b3-5
Date 09/13/85
Agent's initials
EVIDENCE IS TO BE DISPOSED AS FOLLOWS:
164-41-1921
SEARCHED SERIALIZED_
IDEXED ILED b6 b7C
AUG 2 6 1985
DB Cooper-43508
-1 *- UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
MEMORANDUM
DATE: 9/13/85
TO
: SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (C)
FROM
: SA
SUBJECT : UNSUB;
NORTHWEST Flight 305
11/24/71
CAA - HIJACKING;
EXTORTION
On 8/15/85, Columbus, Ohio, appeared at the FBI Office in Portland, Oregon. Interview revealed the following information:
stated that he suspects an individual named as being D. B. COOPER.
Interview revealed the following information:
stated that he suspects an individual named as being D. B. COOPER. He produced a photograph of which he thinks resembles the description of the
b6 b7C subject. He believes may be COOPER because
In addition Suspects because he came out to the Pacific Northwest
b6 b7C
b6
b7C b7E
b6 b7C
In view of the fact that the individual
suspects to be COOPER was approximately years of age at the time of the highjacking (as indicated by attached photograph which was taken
b6 b7C
G). portland
164A-41-1922
b6 b7C
Sept 13 85 DB Cooper-43509
1 PD 164-41
in 1971 or 1972), the fact the highjacker was described as being in his mid 40's at the time of the highjacking, and that fact that the highjacking occurred on 11/24/71, while was
Ohio, it is not recommended that any action be taken on this information. It is recommended that this information be filed for future reference.
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43510
2*" Memorandum
Wie
To
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164A-41) (P)
Date
11/21/85
From :
SA
Subject :
NORJAK;
NORTHWEST FLIGHT 305,
11/24/71;
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43510
2*" Memorandum
Wie
To
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164A-41) (P)
Date
11/21/85
From :
SA
Subject :
NORJAK;
NORTHWEST FLIGHT 305,
11/24/71;
CAA - HIJACKING
(00: Seattle)
As the anniversary of. November 24th approaches, it becomes a time of the year when numerous news agencies call for information about captioned .case, and it is also a time when many publicity stunts concerning COOPER are conducted to further some commercial enterprise.
Among those persons frequently making news releases and seeking publicity, is RICHARD T .. TOSAW, 2415 "A" Lawrence Street , Ceres , California. The attached tele- type sent to FBIHQ on 12/23/82, describes TOSAW and the nature of his activity .. In summary, TOSAW capitalizes upon his being an FBI Agent at one time and uses that association to promote a book that he has written about COOPER. The facts are that TOSAW was an FBI Agent from 3/19/51 to 12/16/55, approximately 30 years ago, and 16 years before the. NORJAK incident occurred.
On 11/20/85, SA received a phone call from a television station in Canada indicating that TOSAW had reported to.
On 11/20/85, SA received a phone call from a television station in Canada indicating that TOSAW had reported to. the TV station that he was "re-opening the D. B. COOPER investigation based on new evidence that he had found." The television station was not aware that TOSAW had not been an FBI Agent since 30 years ago.
The above information and the attached teletype, which is self-explanatory, are provided to assist in the answering of any. impromptu questions concerning TOSAW and his activities. 10-Portland (2-164A-41) 
(1-Ea. Supv. ) (5) (1-Ea. Media Rep.) (3)
(10
164A-41-1923
SEARCHED INDEX SERIALIZED LED
-
NOV 2 1 1985
FBI-PORTLAND
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43512
-1 *-
b6 b7C
b6 b7CPD0205 35717172 RR HQ SE SC DE PO 2 231332 DEC 2
FM PORTLAND (154-41) . TO DIRECTOR (154-2111 ) ROUTINE SEATTLE (154-91) ROUTINE SACRAMENTO (164-50) ROUTINE UNCLAS BT
COOPER REF PORTLAND TELCAL TO F3INO UNIT CHIEF
CID, AND
b6 b7C
SUPERVISOR SEATTLE, THIS DATE.
PORTLAND DIVISION HAS RECEIVED MANY INQUIRIES INTO THE IDENTITY OF RICHARD T.
SACRAMENTO (164-50) ROUTINE UNCLAS BT
COOPER REF PORTLAND TELCAL TO F3INO UNIT CHIEF
CID, AND
b6 b7C
SUPERVISOR SEATTLE, THIS DATE.
PORTLAND DIVISION HAS RECEIVED MANY INQUIRIES INTO THE IDENTITY OF RICHARD T. TOSAW, PRESIDENT OF TOSAW PUBLISHING COMPANY, 2415 A LAWRENCE ST. , CERES, CALIFORNIA, PESULTING FROM FREQUENT STATEMENTS HE HAS MADE ASSOCIATING HIMSELF WITH THE FBI, AND CAPTIONED INVESTIGATION. IN FREQUENT PRESS CONTACTS BY TOSAW HE HAS REPORTED BEING A FORMER FBI AGENT, AND ALLUDES TO AN ONGOING ASSOCIATION WITH SAME AND CAPTIONED INVESTIGATION. TOSAW HAS STATED HE IS WRITING A BOOK ABOUT COOPER ENTITLED "D.3. COOPER DEAD OR ALIVE?" WHICH HE HOPES TO RELEASE EARLY IN
164-41-189
b6
b7C
Averched.
Serialized
Indexed.
file:
DB Cooper-43513PAGE TWO PD 164-41 UNCLAS 1983. SOME PRESS SOURCES HAVE HEADLINED HIS ACTIVITIES AS "FORMER FBI AGENT CONTINUES SEARCH" AND "SEARCH' FOR COOPER GOES ON, " TO THE EXTENT WHERE PORTLAND HAS FOUND IT NECESSARY TO CLARIFY THAT TOSAW IS NO LONGER ASSOCIATED OR EMPLOYED WITH THE FBI. , (FRIHA PERSONNEL DIVISION ADVISED SA ON
b6 NOVEMBER 4, 1992 THAT TOSAW WAS A SPECIAL AGENT FROM MARCH 19, 1951 TO DECEMBER 16, 1955, AND RESIGNED 27 YEARS AGO.
, (FRIHA PERSONNEL DIVISION ADVISED SA ON
b6 NOVEMBER 4, 1992 THAT TOSAW WAS A SPECIAL AGENT FROM MARCH 19, 1951 TO DECEMBER 16, 1955, AND RESIGNED 27 YEARS AGO.)
b7C
PORTLAND HAS BEEN ADVISED BY LOCAL NEWS MEDIA SOURCES THAT TOSAW IS "USING" THE FBI TO ESTABLISH CREDIBILITY FOR HIS BOOK AND USING THE PRESS AND HIS "SEARCH" FOR FREE PUBLICITY. FOR THAT REASON MANY LOCAL TV, RADIO STATIONS, AND "THE OREGONIAN" HAVE RECENTLY REFUSED TO CARRY STORIES CONCERNING HIS ACTIVITIES. THE OREGONIAN, PORTLAND'S MAJOR NEWSPAPER, DID NOT CARRY THE RECENT UPI WIRE. SERVICE STOPY. SOME PREVIOUS ARTICLES WERE CRITICAL ALMOST RIDICULING, AS THE OREGONIAN ARTICLE OF NOVEMBER 04, 1982, WHICH STATES "ALTHOUGH TOSAW CLAIMS TO BE
DB Cooper-43514PAGE THREE OD 154-41, INCLAS
SERIOUS ABOUT FINDING COOPER'S PARACHUTE OR OTHER BELONGINGS,
b6 b7C HIS THE PIVER AT A PAINSTAKINGLY SLOW
PACE WITH A LARGE STEEL RAKE ATTACHED TO A ROPE.".
ON DECEMBER 15, 1982, A NEWS SOURCE ADVISED THAT TOSAW REVIEWED HIS PUBLICITY EFFORTS, AND THAT A WIDE SERVICE STORY WAS GOING OUT REPORTING FINDINGS OF PORTIONS OF A PARACHUTE AND MONEY SACK, PROBABLY THAT OF COOPER'S.
ON DECEMBER 15, 1982, A NEWS SOURCE ADVISED THAT TOSAW REVIEWED HIS PUBLICITY EFFORTS, AND THAT A WIDE SERVICE STORY WAS GOING OUT REPORTING FINDINGS OF PORTIONS OF A PARACHUTE AND MONEY SACK, PROBABLY THAT OF COOPER'S. : PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE FINDINGS WERE FURNISHED BY THE SOURCE. THE "EVIDENCE" CONSISTED OF NYLON CORD AND & BRIGHT . GREEN PORTION OF NYLON CLOTH SIMILAR TO THAT USED ON SAILBOATS. PARACHUTES FURNISHED TO- COOPER WEDE WHITE, AND THERE WAS NO MONEY SACK ASSOCIATED WITH THE CASE.
PORTLAND HAS, CAREFULLY CHOSEN TO. NEITHER INTERFERE WITH TOSAW'S RIGHT TO PUBLISH A BOOK AND DO RESEARCH ON COOPER, NOR TO INAPPROPRIATELY SPEND GOVERNMENT FINDS FOLLOWING UP ON MATTERS CLEARLY NOT ASSOCIATED WITH KNOWN FACTS BUT WHICH APPEAR TO BE DEPIVED IN THE FURTHERANCE OF A PRIVATE COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE. AS A RESULT, PORTLAND RESPONDED TO THE DELIGE OF NEWS INQUIRIES BY SIMPLY STATING THAT THE DESCRIPTION OF THE ITEMS FOUND DID NOT MATCH THE PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THOSE THAT LEFT THE AIRPLANE WITH MR. COOPER.
DB Cooper-43515PAGE FOUR PO 154-41 UNCLAS PORTLAND IS CONCERNED THAT THE NEEDS OF THE BUREAU AND THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS INVESTIGATION OBJECTIVELY BE MET.
DB Cooper-43515PAGE FOUR PO 154-41 UNCLAS PORTLAND IS CONCERNED THAT THE NEEDS OF THE BUREAU AND THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS INVESTIGATION OBJECTIVELY BE MET. PORTLAND IS AWARE OF AND SENSITIVE TO THE NEED TO FULLY PFSOLVE ANY PENDING INVESTIGATION, INCLUDING OBTAINING AND ASCEPTAINING ANY. PERTINENT PHYSICAL EVIDENCE PERTAINING TO SAME. WE ARE COGNIZANT ALSO THAT MR. TOSAW'S EFFORTS, OR ANY OTHER PRIVATE ENDEAVOR , DOES NOT PRECLUDE THE DISCOVERY OF ANY PERTINENT INFORMATION OR EVIDENCE. HOWEVER, ANY INFORMATION, LEAD DATA , PHYSICAL EVIDENCE, ETC. , WILL BE EVALUATED IN THE CONTEXT OF KNOWN FACTS, REASONABLENESS, AND ANY OTHER CONSIDERATION WHICH WILL NOT UNNECESSARILY DIMINISH THE INTEGRITY OF OUR INVESTIGATIVE EFFORTS , PARTICULARLY IN THE KIND OF PUBLIC FOPUM GENERATED IN THIS KIND OF CASE.
DB Cooper-43516PAGE FIVE PD 164-41 UNCLAS SINCE NEITHER THE GREEN CLOTH OR MONEY SACK COULD BE PART OF THIS CASE IT IS RECOMMENDED NO FURTHER ACTION CONCERNING THEM BE TAVEN. IT IS FURTHER THE RECOMMENDATION UACB , THAT ANY LEADS, RESULTING FROM MR. TOSAW'S "SEARCH" BE CLOSELY EVALUATED BY THE RECEIVING OFFICE TO DETERMINE THEIR VALUE IN RELATION
TOSAW'S "SEARCH" BE CLOSELY EVALUATED BY THE RECEIVING OFFICE TO DETERMINE THEIR VALUE IN RELATION TO KNOWN FACTS. ANY RESULTANT ACTION SHOULD BE CAREFULLY CONDUCTED TO AVOID UNNECESSARY PUBLICITY WHICH WOULD INDICATE THE FBI IS CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH MR. TOSAY, THAT HE IS- ACTING IN ANY WAY AS A CONSULTANT FOR THE FBI, OR WHICH WOULD FURTHER SERVE AS AN AVENIJE OF PUBLICITY TOWARD HIS PUBLICATION. NO PUBLIC COMMENTS SHOULD BE MADE WHICH WOULD JEOPARDIZE HIS ENDEAVOR; HOWEVER , UPON DEMAND LOCAL SOURCES WILL STILL DE APPRISED OF THE FACTS WHICH HAVE LONG BEEN. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE DURING THIS ELEVEN YEAR INVESTIGATION.
BT
DB Cooper-43517Memorandum
To
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
Date 11/21/85
:
From :
RALPH P. HIMMELSBACH
(RETIRED FBI SPECIAL AGENT)
Subject :
NORJAK
00: SEATTLE
This will advise that on 11/20/85 writer received a
telephonic communication from an individual who claims not to be
a witness to this case but requested confidentiality. This
person is
The suspect is DOB who has resided most of his life in the Portland area, His mother, now elderly, still resides in Portland /
This
person is
The suspect is DOB who has resided most of his life in the Portland area, His mother, now elderly, still resides in Portland / Suspect is currently an
b6
b7C
b7D
By way of background, in the b6 United States Army at
b7C
Contemporarily with the hijacking in this matter
b6 b7C
By description he is over 6' tall, medium dark complexion. with penetrating and sparkling very dark eyes.
The informant advised b6
b7C b7D
The informant would be available for additional information under very carefully controlled circumstances and would prefer 41-1924 that any contact be made through this retired Agent. 2-Portland
RPH :
(2
Rapper
12/2/85
DB Cooper-43518
SEARCHED
15
SERIALIZE FH.ED
Į
NOV 21 1965 b6
b7C FD-36 (Rev. 8-26-82)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype Facsimile Airtel
FBI
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EFTO UNCLAS Date 12/3/85
TO :
SAC, LAS VEGAS
FROM:
SAC, PORTLAND
Priority Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EFTO UNCLAS Date 12/3/85
TO :
SAC, LAS VEGAS
FROM:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
00:
SEATTLE
BUfile 164-2111
On 12/2/85
"Star Magazine" New York City, telephonically contacted SA RALPH P. HIMMELSBACH (retired) , former Portland Case Agent in this matter, to furnish the following information:
He has been approached by one
advised
that a
currently . a current Reno, Nevada, who
(a separate
institution) in lieu of
that he is the perpetrator of captioned had confessed to hijacking. claimed that furnished details of the skyjacking, his injuries suffered in the parachute landing, his loss of part of the ransom, his rescue by a miner, and subsequent return to his state of origin, Louisiana. claimed previous service as a U.S. Army parachutist early in the Vietnam War.
LEADS
LAS VEGAS
AT RENO, NEVADA. Will fully identify suspect, and determine whether he might be a viable suspect in this matter.
2-Las Vegas 2-Seattle (164-81) 2-Portland RPE (6)
L
SA
486
Approved:
Transmitted
Per
164A-41-1925
(Number) (Time)
* U.
2-Las Vegas 2-Seattle (164-81) 2-Portland RPE (6)
L
SA
486
Approved:
Transmitted
Per
164A-41-1925
(Number) (Time)
* U.S. Government Printing Offlet: 1984-431.613/6249
Searched Serialized Indexed
b6 b7C
Filed
DB Cooper-43519
b6 b7C
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7c
b6 b7C SEO 007 RR BI LV PD SC DE SE R 130026Z DEC 85
FM SEATTLE (164-81) (P) TO BUTTE (164A-26) ROUTINE LAS VEGAS ROUTINE PORTLAND (164-41) ROUTINE SACRAMENTO (164A-50) ROUTINE BT UNCLAS NORJACK; CAA-HIJACKING (A); 00: SEATTLE.
REFERENCE PORTLAND AIRTEL TO LAS VEGAS, DATED. DECEMBER 3, 1985. FOR INFORMATION OF RECEIVING OFFICES, SEATTLE DIVISION IS. CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF REVIEWING CAPTIONED INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE IF ANY' OF THE CURRENT OUTSTANDING INVESTIGATIVE LEADS ARE CAPABLE OF IDENTIFYING A SUBJECT IN CAPTIONED INVESTIGATION. SEATTLE DIVISION INTENDS TO CONDUCT A FINAL REVIEW OF THIS INVESTIGATION, NOW 14 YEARS OLD, AND TO RECOMMEND TO THE BUREAU THAT THE INVESTIGATION BE CLOSED.
RECEIVING OFFICES ARE REQUESTED TO HOLD IN ABEYANCE ANY ADDITIONAL
Red 4 25
164A-41-1926 SEARCHED IDEX FD SERIALIZED
DEC 1 :
RECEIVING OFFICES ARE REQUESTED TO HOLD IN ABEYANCE ANY ADDITIONAL
Red 4 25
164A-41-1926 SEARCHED IDEX FD SERIALIZED
DEC 1 : 1536
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43520PAGE TWO . SE 164-81 UNCLAS INVESTIGATIVE EFFORT PREVIOUSLY SET FORTH BY SEATTLE DIVISON OR OTHER DIVISIONS PENDING COMPLETION OF FILE REVIEW AND FINAL DECISION BY SEATTLE DIVISION SAC AND BUREAU PERSONNEL REGARDING CLOSING OF THE INVESTIGATION.
BT
DB Cooper-43521FD-350 (Rev. 5-8-81)
(Mount Clipping In Space Below)
SKYJACKING SAGA
CONTINUES
Character: Or
Indexing:
D.B
COOPER
(Indicate page, name of
newspaper, city and state.)
West Linn Tidings
West Linn, Oregon
Date: December 11, 1985
Edition:
Title:
NORJAK
Classification:
164-41
Submitting Office:
Portland
Fourteen years after crime, chase goes on
164-41-1927
SEARCHED SERIALIZED
INDE FL
DEC 2 7 198
FBI/DOJ
DB Cooper-43522
b6 b7C E very year about this time it happens . and West Linn resident Ralph Himmelsbach is getting accustomed to the phone calls and the tips that often are dead ends for investigators.
and West Linn resident Ralph Himmelsbach is getting accustomed to the phone calls and the tips that often are dead ends for investigators.
But this year it was different. The certified letter that arrived at his Marylhurst-area home three weeks ago and the phone call the next day from the letter writer all had the markings of something more interesting than a routine dead end.
After years of chasing the notorious sky- jacker known to law enforcement agencies only as "Dan Cooper," Himmelsbach might have a real suspect in the case.
Although some of the information about the' .- latest in what seemed like thousands of Dan Cooper suspects was a bit sketchy, Him- melsbach was obviously interested. A,former criminal investigator not given to false hopes or empty encouragement, Himmelsbach said last week that the most recent suspect had some "very compelling" features that seemed to match a profile of the skyjacking suspect.
"I don't know who D.B. Cooper was, but I have had several very attractive suspects in the past few years," Himmelsbach said.
Cooper was, but I have had several very attractive suspects in the past few years," Himmelsbach said.
In mid-November, almost 14 years to the day of the skyjacking, a registered letter arrived at Himmelsbach's home outlining a suspect who, he said, seemed to fit many parts of the description of D.B. Cooper.
'I don't know who D.B. Cooper was, but I have had some suspects in the past few years'
The letter was followed by a telephone call from the same person, saying that he or she had a close relative who fit the D.B. Cooper description, Himmelsbach said. The suspect lives in the Portland area, but Himmelsbach declined to identify either the suspect or the person who brought the suspect to his attention.
Himmelsbach said he turned the information over to the local FBI office, which investigates . each new lead to the case.
"It does look pretty good," Himmelsbach said. "The person fits some very compelling parts of the person we think was D.B. Cooper." The tip was one of about 100 Himmelsbach and the local FBI office receive every November when the area media focus on the infamous event.
" The tip was one of about 100 Himmelsbach and the local FBI office receive every November when the area media focus on the infamous event. Nearly all the tips are in- vestigated, and people pointed to as suspects usually are cleared by the FBI, Himmelsbach said.
D an Cooper dropped into criminal folklore Nov. 24, 1971, when he hijacked a Nor- thwest Airlines' jet on a routine flight between Portland and Seattle. Cooper said he had a bomb in a briefcase that he would detonate If he was not paid $200,000 in ransom.
(Himmelsbach speculated that the bomb was actually highway flares wired to a 1.5-volt bat- tery. The bomb was never found.)
Cooper demanded that the ransom be paid in $20 bilis. A hundred bundles of the bills - , 10,000 in all - were paid through a Seattle bank that kept up to $240,000 on hand as a humanitarian fund to pay kidnappers and other extortionists.
After a quick 30-minute flight to Seattle, Cooper allowed three dozen passengers to get off the plane and asked that it be refueled to fly to Mexico City. Cooper also asked for four parachutes and that the pilot leave a rear "airstairs" door open during the
Cooper also asked for four parachutes and that the pilot leave a rear "airstairs" door open during the plane's takeoff from Seattle-Tacoma Airport.
The pilot, Capt. William A. Scott, convinced
RALPH HIMMELSBACH
Cooper that the plane would not be able to take off with the door open, so Cooper agreed to open it after the plane was in flight. He ordered Scott to fly the plane at 10,000 feet, no faster than 170 knots (195 miles per hour) and with the plane's flaps lowered by 15 degrees.
After takeoff at about 7:45 p.m. from Seattle, the plane flew for about 28 minutes when Cooper apparently parachuted into the cold and rainy night over Washington with the bank bag of $20 bills strapped to his waist.
No trace of Cooper was ever found and he has never been identified.
A ccording to Himmelsbach's profile, Dan Cooper was a man of medium build, described by airline employees as being in his "mid-40s (probably 48)," with slick black hair and "sparkling, piercing, and very dark eyes. He also was a man with a criminal background who probably suffered a severe leg or lower- body injury when he
He also was a man with a criminal background who probably suffered a severe leg or lower- body injury when he landed in the mountains of southwestern Washington.
Because of the type of parachute he used, and because Cooper did not have adequate equipment to make a jump at night in minus-7 degree weather against winds of up to 200 miles per hour, Himmelsbach said Cooper probably hit the ground "going about 55 miles per hour."
DB Cooper-43523Story by Kevin Harden Photos by Kirk Hirota
'I don't have a shred of admiration for the hijacker. He was not bold or courageous'
If that did not kill Cooper, Himmelsbach said it more than likely injured him severely.
Although he calls his observations "just speculation," Himmelsbach said the recent suspect was 56 years old (D.B. Cooper would be about 62 this year), had come into a large amount of money in the early 1970s, had a ."serious injury contemporaneous with the hi- jacking," and disappeared for a long period of time in late 1971.
The suspect also had a long criminal history and was "a loner," Himmelsbach said, which made him all the more attractive.
The suspect also had a long criminal history and was "a loner," Himmelsbach said, which made him all the more attractive.
"I have felt for years that most likely we are looking for an ex-con, maybe someone has been involved with the law most of his life," Him- melsbach said.
"There are some suspects who come your way with only one fact that makes it appear they should be a suspect. You have got to be willing to look at anybody, but if you get a guy who turns up with a limp, a lot of money, and he's been missing for a long time around (the time of the hijacking), then it looks pretty good."
Himmelsbach, 59, a retired Federal Bureau of Investigation agent from the Portland field office, spent the last nine years of his FBI career chasing down leads to Dan Cooper.
He retired from the bureau in February 1980, but Himmelsbach did not retire from the chase. He has worked with Clackamas-area author Tom Worcester on a 15-chapter, 190-page book on the case, and, at the same time, Him- melsbach has fielded hundreds of inquiries about the event that captured the romantic fan- cy of Americans.
He has worked with Clackamas-area author Tom Worcester on a 15-chapter, 190-page book on the case, and, at the same time, Him- melsbach has fielded hundreds of inquiries about the event that captured the romantic fan- cy of Americans. .
Himmelsbach's book should be published next year, Worcester said. A draft of the book is being edited, and several publisher's have been contacted, but no offers have been made, he said.
"We may just have to publish it ourselves."
Continued on page A8
DB Cooper-43524SKYJACKING SAGA CONTINUES
D.B. COOPER
Continued from page A1
H immelsbach was an investigator and · training officer with the Portland FBI field of- fice until he retired. From February 1981 to this September, Himmelsbach was an in- vestigator with the Oregon Department of .Justice.
Besides investigating organized crime, fraud and extortion for the state attorney general, Himmelsbach also uses his skills as a pilot to fly police officers across the state looking for patches of marijuana. Himmelsbach said he and other officers had spotted hundreds of fields of the bright green plants from his private plane as he flew missions for various .
Himmelsbach said he and other officers had spotted hundreds of fields of the bright green plants from his private plane as he flew missions for various . police agencies in the state.
Himmelsbach is a handsome and polite man whose smooth voice booms with authority and excitement as he recounts with stunning ac- curacy names, dates, physical features and other attributes of suspects he has faced and interesting tidbits of information on cases he has investigated.
He is clearly a man who enjoyed his 28 years . and 10 months as an FBI agent and his four years as an investigator for the state Justice Department.
He is also a man who is clearly annoyed at the glamour given to D.B. Cooper's escapades - the same glamour that produced a number of books, magazine and newspaper articles,. and even a Hollywood movie, about the inci- dent.
It's unfortunate, Himmelsbach said, but because Americans tend to cheer for the under- dog, Dan Cooper has become a symbol of an air pirate who got away with $200,000 in ran- som money and who has yet to be identified or prosecuted for the crime.
It's unfortunate, Himmelsbach said, but because Americans tend to cheer for the under- dog, Dan Cooper has become a symbol of an air pirate who got away with $200,000 in ran- som money and who has yet to be identified or prosecuted for the crime.
It's that mystique that has people in the ! Pacific Northwest marking the November an- niversary of the skyjacking each year with par- ties and speculation. It's also that mystique that has made Himmelsbach famous for what he called his "biggest failure."
"It's the only unsolved skyjacking case of its kind in the world," Himmelsbach said. "Here's a guy who reaches up and tweeks Uncle Sam's nose and steals $200,000 and possibly gets away with it. People are looking at it from the stand -. point that nobody got injured. Everyone on that plane escaped whole, maybe some with some psychological scars.".
Even after all these years, does Him- melsbach feel he has chased a worth opponent? "I don't have a shred of admiration for the hijacker," he said. "He was not bold or ... courageous. I think he was stupid and desperate, and criminal.
"I would like to see the case solved. I would like to see it concluded.
I think he was stupid and desperate, and criminal.
"I would like to see the case solved. I would like to see it concluded. As a practical matter, I have become famous because of my biggest failure "
D an Cooper, whom the Portland-area media dubbed "D.B. Cooper" after a Portland Police Bureau check of an area man by that name who police thought was the hijacker, was
not the type of person to be considered a hero, Himmelsbach said.
In fact, if the truth ever comes out, Him- melsbach said the real D.B. Cooper probably was a man with a lengthy criminal history who was a loner and only committed the most famous skyjacking after he saw someone else try a similar parachute escape plan in the hi- jacking of a Canadian airliner only weeks before Northwest Airlines' Flight 305 out of Portland was taken hostage that day in late 1971.
: The parties, the celebrations and the odd tips about possible suspects could all come to an end if, Himmelsbach said, the FBI could only get a break that would lead to the capture - or recovery - of D.
: The parties, the celebrations and the odd tips about possible suspects could all come to an end if, Himmelsbach said, the FBI could only get a break that would lead to the capture - or recovery - of D.B. Cooper and the missing loot.
I didn't catch him, but I think he's still lying close to where he fell because that's where he died
DB Cooper-43525The statute of limitations on Cooper's crime has not run out because a federal Grand Jury in Portland indicted Cooper in 1976 on two counts of air piracy and violation of the Hobbs Act, which deals with extortion and hindering interstate commerce.
D.B. Cooper might not ever be captured, however, because Himmelsbach does not believe he survived the 10,000-foot plunge with an Army parachute that could have failed dur- ing the jump.
"I didn't catch him, but I think he's still lying close to where he fell because that's where he died," Himmelsbach said.
Only two pieces of evidence have ever been found in the case -- a plastic sign explaining the operation of a rear door on the Boeing 727
jet from which Cooper parachuted, and $5,800 in $20 bills (294 of them) that was uncovered in Feb.
two pieces of evidence have ever been found in the case -- a plastic sign explaining the operation of a rear door on the Boeing 727
jet from which Cooper parachuted, and $5,800 in $20 bills (294 of them) that was uncovered in Feb. 10, 1980, on the bank of the Columbia . River near Vancouver - and numerous sear- ches of mountainous and wooded areas between Portland and Ariel, Wash., about 30 miles north of Portland where Cooper was believed to have landed, have yielded few clues about the sky- jacking.
S peculation about the case led author Max Gunther to write the book "D.B. Cooper: What Really Happened," in which he said a woman who identified herself only as "Clara" told him that Cooper was actually a man nam- ed Dan Laclair who died recently of a heart at- tack.
Gunther's book, which was published this fall, told the story of how Clara found Cooper/Laclair injured in her tool shed.in a rural area of southwestern Washington and nursed him back to health. Clara and Laclair then took the money to Nevada where they "Jaundered" it by gambling in casinos, Gun- ther wrote.
In his book, Gunther also claimed that Laclair called him on the telephone from New York where he was living.
In his book, Gunther also claimed that Laclair called him on the telephone from New York where he was living.
"I do not believe that story," Himmelsbach said ..
When Himmelsbach met with Gunther two years ago to discuss the proposed book, he believed Clara's story was a hoax, and his opi- nion has not changed.
"I do not accuse Max Gunther of perper- trating a hoax, but I do think the story is false, for a number of reasons," Himmelsbach said.
In another book, published in 1984, former FBI agent Richard Tosaw claaimed that Cooper drowned after he plunged into the Col- umbia River. Tosaw has spent several years searching for Cooper's remains in or near the river.
Tosaw also offered a $10,000 reward to anyone who could produce one of the ransom's $20 bills. His 180-page book includes 56 pages of serial numbers taken from photocopies of the ransom money that the FBI keeps on file.
No one has claimed the reward money.
H immelsbach said the search for Cooper probably would go on, no matter what the · evidence pointed to.
H immelsbach said the search for Cooper probably would go on, no matter what the · evidence pointed to. Last week, Himmelsbach received a telephone call from a reporter for the "Star Magazine" in New York City who . said a man in jail in that state claimed to be D.B. Cooper.
The man's attorney, to whom Himmelsbach has spoken, said the suspect was in his 40s, which would have made him too young to be the real Cooper, Himmelsbach said. "I think he's angling to get some kind of advantage to ease his current situation. It s unds phony to me."
After all these years, Himmelsbach said he did not regret the chase because it was just another chapter in the D.B. Cooper story.
"It has been a very, very interesting invest- ment, and the jury's still out," he said. "There are still a lot of questions unanswered."
DB Cooper-43526
₸Cooper case was most notorious, not best
Ralph Himmelsbach may think the Dan Cooper case is his big- gest failure, but he had several successful cases during his 28 years and 10 months as an agent for the Federal Bureau of In- vestigation.
case was most notorious, not best
Ralph Himmelsbach may think the Dan Cooper case is his big- gest failure, but he had several successful cases during his 28 years and 10 months as an agent for the Federal Bureau of In- vestigation.
Himmelsbach, 59, was the FBI agent assigned in 1971 to the most famous hijacking case in the nation. He has chased Dan Cooper - or "D.B. Cooper," as the Portland-area media dubb- ed him - for about 14 years, listening to hundreds of tips on suspects and tracking down thousands of dead ends in the in- vestigation.
. Although he is known mostly for his work on the D.B. Cooper case, Himmelsbach was the FBI agent who gathered evidence to convict "Frosty" Forsberg in 1966, and to convict Carl Cletus Bowles in the early 1970s. Forsberg and Bowles were wanted on
separate federal warrants for bank robbery.
"The Cooper case was one of my most notorious cases, not my most successful," Himmelsbach said.
Forsberg was convicted in August 1966 of bank robbery after Himmelsbach's investigation. Bowles was convicted of kidnapp- ing and bank robbery in an unrelated incident.
The convictions were marred, however, when both men killed people while not in custody.
Bowles was convicted of kidnapp- ing and bank robbery in an unrelated incident.
The convictions were marred, however, when both men killed people while not in custody. Forsberg was paroled in 1973 and killed a 20-year-old California woman in 1975. Bowles escaped from prison in the early 1970s and killed a Eugene couple.
More recently, Himmelsbach worked on state investigations in which a juvenile parole officer was convicted of fraud, and the . Sisters police chief was convicted of stealing government proper- ty.
DB Cooper-43527 FD-302 (REV. 3-10-82)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
- 1 -
Date of transcription
1/27/86
On 1/22/86. Photographer with the assistance of Evidence Clerk, photographed the remains of the currency identified as 1B3&4. The currency was then returned to SSA on the same date. b6
b7C

Investigation on 1/22/86	Portland, Oregon
at	PD 164-41-1928 File #
by Photographer	Date dictated	1/22/86

b6 b7C
This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions.
b6
b7C

Investigation on 1/22/86	Portland, Oregon
at	PD 164-41-1928 File #
by Photographer	Date dictated	1/22/86

b6 b7C
This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions. of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI and is foaned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency,
DB Cooper-43528*
4 PD 164A-41
1
The following investigation was conducted by Special Agents (SA) :
Between January 2, 1986 and January 16, 1986, a physical inventory was taken of the serial numbers of the money recovered by in 1981. The serial numbers of the bills which were legible were recorded by reporting Agents as follows :

CLEAR SMALL	PLASTIC FOLDER	- FOUR $20.00 BILLS
L55066857A	L32987392A
G03072381B	L10919321A

MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 1

E41933578A	L -- 23637-A
L03648936A	L38232089A
-- 44-3254A	L29575638A
--------
MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 1

E41933578A	L -- 23637-A
L03648936A	L38232089A
-- 44-3254A	L29575638A
-------- 7B	-34628654A
L20211452B	L55376548B
L19629118B	------ 25B
L43214579A	-36246726A

MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 2

L09781412A	H ----- 860A
L087565 ---	E06379503*
------ 556A	L19733425-
L343-692 --	--- 3-9016A
L32339016A	-- 6692532A
-33241650A	L-9783152
L08756592*	L19733425A
H0767-862A	L20301456A
D21024515-

MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 3
-44956915B	L58585556A
LO-166965B	J16396253A
L34212082A	--
MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 3
-44956915B	L58585556A
LO-166965B	J16396253A
L34212082A	-- 4342547A
L33655756A	L29740 ----
J07-24026A	L04846504A
L57495445A	L54682032A
L19904770A	I06638737A
L20371508A	-10033166A
-34561205A	-06379503*

4
b6 b7c
b6 b7C
PD164-41-1929
SEARCHED
INDEXEO
SERIALIZE
FILED
FEB 14 1986
b6
FBI-PORTLAND
b7C
-
DB Cooper-43529 :unsele
0033166A
-34561205A	-06379503*

4
b6 b7c
b6 b7C
PD164-41-1929
SEARCHED
INDEXEO
SERIALIZE
FILED
FEB 14 1986
b6
FBI-PORTLAND
b7C
-
DB Cooper-43529 4
PD 1644-41
2
MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 4

--- 641262A	L-G375059B
----- 201-B	E23048217A
-- 3645695A	G54783796B
L20186607A	L24-76073A
I04316095A	B23815307A
L36077408A	E01123837B
L33235292A	L34586740A
--- 943346A	-------
b7C
-
DB Cooper-43529 4
PD 1644-41
2
MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 4

--- 641262A	L-G375059B
----- 201-B	E23048217A
-- 3645695A	G54783796B
L20186607A	L24-76073A
I04316095A	B23815307A
L36077408A	E01123837B
L33235292A	L34586740A
--- 943346A	------- 29A
L1007 -----

MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 5

L86567062A	L5873-5 ---
L32923627A	E61102414A
F11807553A
29A
L1007 -----

MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 5

L86567062A	L5873-5 ---
L32923627A	E61102414A
F11807553A	--- 600497B
L20337925A	L -- 062571A
20038493A	L2902 -----
L34458940A	L-72 ------
L6905-512B

MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 6

L01781113A	E65330757A
L92356265A	E13712583B
L29487 --- A	-38151783A
G06438 --- A	L49839325B
L19 ---
-----
L34458940A	L-72 ------
L6905-512B

MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 6

L01781113A	E65330757A
L92356265A	E13712583B
L29487 --- A	-38151783A
G06438 --- A	L49839325B
L19 --- 630A	L20408638A
-06177287B	G ---------
L34342546A

MONEY IN PLASTIC	FOLDER NUMBER 7
G36926732B	J05406448A
L29859540B	L04-40450A
L19417415B	L34077000A
d>

MONEY IN PLASTIC	FOLDER NUMBER 7
G36926732B	J05406448A
L29859540B	L04-40450A
L19417415B	L34077000A
-29859540B	L63494731B
B01642107*	H27412938A
-34820290A

MONEY IN PLASTIC	FOLDER NUMBER 8
L22797972A	B19427662A
G91708922A	L382-9657A
J -- 657135A	L5930 --- 5B
L26085955A	6038B
E64086836A	A

4.
-- 657135A	L5930 --- 5B
L26085955A	6038B
E64086836A	A

4.
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43530A
"
PD 164A-41
3

L27697270B
H14282866A

L22797972A

MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 9
L39209157B	F05979 --- A
L404 ------	A25544 ----
J30258568A	L32815350A
-- 9090997B	L07458655*
A-5544049-	-- 00-8009A
L06832736A	-02442844A
G45632911B
4 ----
J30258568A	L32815350A
-- 9090997B	L07458655*
A-5544049-	-- 00-8009A
L06832736A	-02442844A
G45632911B	L06832736A
L5107 -----	------ 900A
G2 --------	L-9016203A
399523B	--- 429657A
L19016 ----	9019B
5838B

MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 10

L42654269B	L29641798A
L20038493A	-33378257A
L72835722B	L33294821A
----	9019B
5838B

MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 10

L42654269B	L29641798A
L20038493A	-33378257A
L72835722B	L33294821A
L69052512-	-38681993A
-------- 0A	L32875 ----
L29 ---- 66B	J35454923A
A	L20-86415B
775730A	-03160 ----
L68	L18872838A
047759A

MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 1I

L39279425B	L -- 197667A
-20407228A	--
3160 ----
L68	L18872838A
047759A

MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 1I

L39279425B	L -- 197667A
-20407228A	---- 29496A
-16117991B	-20452751A
-02-61254A	-2026 -----
-34444667A	-6888 -----
-- 5479078B	-26205284A
--------- A	L33123055A
---- 61749A	--------- B

MONEY IN PLASTIC	FOLDER NUMBER 12
L08091623A	L29837350A
L12650395A	---
A	L33123055A
---- 61749A	--------- B

MONEY IN PLASTIC	FOLDER NUMBER 12
L08091623A	L29837350A
L12650395A	--- 766983A
L26944823A	L38143796A
L34589419A	L20177072A

b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43531 PD 164A-41
4

L32705621A	L54599862A
L34736886A	L34572361A

MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 13
9775A	L01-30-90*
008289A	L383</
td>L54599862A
L34736886A	L34572361A

MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 13
9775A	L01-30-90*
008289A	L383
I	L7451
L296	A
L38242857A	L5
D48 --- 544A	L32
L432	L1
L32	L34

MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 14
L3024
L-9746774A
L67138147A
550092
(Partial)
0321760A
074171
(Partial)
4090467A 1*
L7
D021
L07
8B
L5
L524
IO
L34107546A
L7303342 --
L32700814A

MONEY IN PLASTIC	FOLDER NUMBER
L-9746774A
L67138147A
550092
(Partial)
0321760A
074171
(Partial)
4090467A 1*
L7
D021
L07
8B
L5
L524
IO
L34107546A
L7303342 --
L32700814A

MONEY IN PLASTIC	FOLDER NUMBER 15
D27112759A	L33535277A
L29795480-	L80553032A
L16571850A	-80553030A
L-9795480A	L39586777A
29742508A	---- 36377B

MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 16
78 (Partial)
A (Partial)
B (Partial)

MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 17
L23434482A	L19979395A
L32796069A	L72943039B
L11
IC FOLDER NUMBER 16
78 (Partial)
A (Partial)
B (Partial)

MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 17
L23434482A	L19979395A
L32796069A	L72943039B
L11938587A	L38673217A
-58910645B	L53307222A
L66606663B	L34157496A
L48628301A	L01789731A

%
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43532 1
PD 164A-41
5
b6 b7C
MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 18

L66745097A	L59184785B
L29793126A	-5883628 --
38-5A
b7C
DB Cooper-43532 1
PD 164A-41
5
b6 b7C
MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 18

L66745097A	L59184785B
L29793126A	-5883628 --
38-5A	--------- A
113426 (Partial)	4344 (Partial)
MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 19
L33043436A	L04505350A
L01842041A	L04461395*
L01571813A	L129078-1A
-- 4081112A	L3408111 --
L04505350A
L01842041A	L04461395*
L01571813A	L129078-1A
-- 4081112A	L3408111 --
654320A	327867 (Partial)
37A	L32847104A
842	(Partial)	G89634325A
75A
MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 20
J20209868A	L47860293A
I03006119A	5537294 (Partial)
L58105189A
MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 20
J20209868A	L47860293A
I03006119A	5537294 (Partial)
L58105189A	G33 -------
-37840933A	452-7 (Partial)
109654320-	33797 (Partial)
-------- 0A	-0259-811A
10 --------	-- 018 -- 62A
414735 (Partial)	3090 (Partial)
102	--- 147353A
MONEY IN PLASTIC
d>10 --------	-- 018 -- 62A
414735 (Partial)	3090 (Partial)
102	--- 147353A
MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER 21
-57110577A	L51323183-
K03654750A	B45493064A
L51350712B	F07553 ----
-09332015A	J00076834*
L30706882B	------ 378B
L02882111B	L02610103A
MONEY IN PLASTIC FOLDER NUMBER
Page 37 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 38 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 39 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 40 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 41 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 42 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 43 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 44 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 45 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 46 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 47 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 48 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 49 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 50 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 51 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 52 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 53 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 54 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 55 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 56 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 57 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 58 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 59 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 60 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 61 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 62 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 63 ~ Referral/Consult;
Page 64 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 65 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 71 ~ Duplicate; Page 72 ~ Duplicate;
Page 74 ~ Duplicate; Page 81 ~ Duplicate; Page 87 ~ b6; b7C;Page 88 ~ b6; b7C; Page 89 ~ b6; b7C; Page 90 ~ b6; b7C; Page 91 ~ b6; b7C; Page 92 ~ b6; b7C; Page 93 ~ b6; b7C; Page 94 ~ b6; b7C; Page 95 ~ b6; b7C; Page 96 ~ b6; b7C; Page 104 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 105 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 106 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 107 ~
b7C; Page 92 ~ b6; b7C; Page 93 ~ b6; b7C; Page 94 ~ b6; b7C; Page 95 ~ b6; b7C; Page 96 ~ b6; b7C; Page 104 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 105 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 106 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 107 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 108 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 109 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 110 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 111 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 112 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 113 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 114 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 115 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 116 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 117 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 118 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 119 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 120 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 121 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 122 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 123 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 124 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 125 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 126 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 128 ~ Duplicate; Page 138 ~ Duplicate; Page 139 ~ Duplicate;
Page 143 ~ Duplicate;
Page 144 ~ Duplicate;
Page 173 ~ Duplicate; Page 174 ~ Duplicate; Page 205 ~ Duplicate; Page 208 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 209 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 239 ~ Duplicate; Page 250 ~ Duplicate; Page 285 ~ Duplicate; Page 294 ~ Duplicate; Page 295 ~ Duplicate; Page 296 ~ Duplicate; Page 297 ~ Duplicate; Page 298 ~ Duplicate; Page 299 ~ Duplicate;
174 ~ Duplicate; Page 205 ~ Duplicate; Page 208 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 209 ~ Referral/Consult; Page 239 ~ Duplicate; Page 250 ~ Duplicate; Page 285 ~ Duplicate; Page 294 ~ Duplicate; Page 295 ~ Duplicate; Page 296 ~ Duplicate; Page 297 ~ Duplicate; Page 298 ~ Duplicate; Page 299 ~ Duplicate; Page 300 ~ Duplicate;
Page 301 ~ Duplicate;
Page 302 ~ Duplicate; Page 307 ~ Duplicate;
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X Deleted Page(s) X X No Duplication Fee X X For this Page X
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Memorand n
To
:
SAC, PORTLAND
Date " 6/16/87
From :
LEGAL SECTION (190- 564)
Subject :
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION-PRIVACY ACTS (FOIPA)
(File Destruction)
norgate
The following listed main files or serials have been reviewed pursuant to an FOIPA matter and may not be destroyed until indicated.

FILE	-	SERIAL
164-41#

DO NOT DESTROY UNTIL 6/92
MAINTAIN AS TOP SERIAL
DB Cooper-43536Memorandum
To
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164A-41) (C)
Date
6/16/86
From :
SA
Subject :
NORJAK;
NORTHWEST FLIGHT 305;
11/29/71;
UAA - HIJACKING
(00: Portland)
As the famed D.
DO NOT DESTROY UNTIL 6/92
MAINTAIN AS TOP SERIAL
DB Cooper-43536Memorandum
To
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164A-41) (C)
Date
6/16/86
From :
SA
Subject :
NORJAK;
NORTHWEST FLIGHT 305;
11/29/71;
UAA - HIJACKING
(00: Portland)
As the famed D. B. COOPER money recovered by has been returned to and Globe Indemity Company and there are no outstanding leads within the Portland Division, it is recommended that the above case be closed.
b6 b7C b6 b7C
EXTRA/DUPLICATE SERIALS DESTROYED PURSUANT TO AIRTEL TO ALL SAC'S DATED 11/3/86, CAPTIONED, "DESTRUCTION OF FIELD FILES AND RECORDS."
DATE 3/1/88
INITIALS
b6 b7C
1 - Portland
RUE 9/1/86
b6 b7C 164A-41-1938
SEARCHED. SERIALIZED, INDEX
...
- 1%
FILED. JUL 1 1 1990 FBI - PORTLAND) 
...
DB Cooper-43598 SA
PLACE AND RETAIN THESE DOCUMENTS WITH THE 14 SPECIMENS OF CURRENCY RETAINED BY THE GOVERNMENT UNTIL DISMISSAL OF THIS ACTION.
b6 b7C
0
2
DB Cooper-43599FD-302 (REV. 3-8-77)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
- 1 - -
Date of transcription
6/16/86
On this day reporting agents returned approximately $5, 800 in U. S. Currency, contained in plastic packets numbered two through twenty-two to RICHARD TOSAW.
- 1 - -
Date of transcription
6/16/86
On this day reporting agents returned approximately $5, 800 in U. S. Currency, contained in plastic packets numbered two through twenty-two to RICHARD TOSAW.
Globe Indemity, a New York corporation. In addition, four (4) twenty dollars bills in one plastic packet were returned to these parties. The government retained one plastic folder containing several of these twenty dollar bills as evidence. The evidence returned to the above-named parties was contained in bulky number 1B3 and 1B4. Receipts were signed for the evidence by RICHARD TOSAW which are in the possession of the Portland Division of the FBI. The currency and portions of U. S. Currency were given to the parties to be divided as the parties determined to be proper .. .
The one plastic packet numbered number one, which was retained by the FBI as evidence, was returned back into evidence by reporting agents.
b6 b7C
Investigation on 6/10/86 Portland, Oregon
File #
PD 164A-41-1939
by SA SA
Date dictated
6/13/86
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
Oregon
File #
PD 164A-41-1939
by SA SA
Date dictated
6/13/86
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-43600
b6 b7CMemorandum
To : SAC, PORTLAND
F
Subject : D. B. COOPER; INFORMATION CONCERNING
Date
3/5/88
On 3/5/88, at approximately 11:00 a.m., writer was
contacted by a
Pendleton, Oregon telephone number , and advised that approximately 17-18 years prior to captioned date, she and her husband had been given a painting entitled "The Final Resting Place" by an individual they knew by the name of M. G. COOPER who also was the artist of the painting. She and her husband knew him through
occasionally. She said the individual told them that the painting was worth $450.00 but , he gave it to them as a gift.
On 3/5/88, was cleaning around the area where the painting hung and took it down and glanced on the back of the painting and saw a signature inscribed on the back which read to the effect of "D. B. COOPER". advised she had never noticed this before and thought she would call and advise the FBI of her finding.
advised she had never noticed this before and thought she would call and advise the FBI of her finding. The front of the painting did not have the same signature as the back, and it read "M. G. COOPER". said the last she heard of M. G. COOPER was that he had disappeared after he gave them the painting and resurfaced having a lot of physical disabilities, and she then heard that he had passed away not long after resurfacing.
Writer told that she would disseminate this information to her supervisor and the matter would be in their hands for what action they thought necessary.
This information is provided to the desk for whatever action is deemed appropriate. 1 - 164-41 (info. )
(1)
- 1* -
Ply make contant and attempts to obtain physical description of covan- TX
164-41-1940
SEARCHED
INDEX SERIALIZED _____ FILED MAR 5 1988 FBI - PORTLAND
DB Cooper-43601
b6 b7C
b6 b7c
2
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7c
b6 b7C FD-36 (Rev.
description of covan- TX
164-41-1940
SEARCHED
INDEX SERIALIZED _____ FILED MAR 5 1988 FBI - PORTLAND
DB Cooper-43601
b6 b7C
b6 b7c
2
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7c
b6 b7C FD-36 (Rev. 8-29.85)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype Facsimile AIRTEL
FBI
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLASEF TO UNCLAS
Date 3/15/88
TO:
SAC, OKLAHOMA CITY (164-56)
FROM
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P) 
NORJAK;
(00: Seattle)
For information receiving offices, on 3/7/88, , Pendleton, Oregon, showed SA Samuel M. Mc Pheters a painting which she said was given to her and her husband by an individual by the name of GENE COOPER or M. G. COOPER around 1970 or 1971. She advised that when she went to take the painting down from her wall, in that she was getting tired of it, she noticed on the reverse side the following printing: D. B. COOPER, Route 1, Box 134, Hermiston; name of painting: Final Resting; place of painting, Mind; date of painting, 1970; price, $450.
COOPER, Route 1, Box 134, Hermiston; name of painting: Final Resting; place of painting, Mind; date of painting, 1970; price, $450.00.
advised that upon reading the name D. B. Cooperb6 she became quite suspicious, in that this individual was:avery ...: unusual person and may have had some of the characteristics of the hijacker, D. B. COOPER. She advised this individual recited poetry to the point of boring people, was an artist, was married to a lady in her seventies, and seemed to have a fascination for death as reflected in the painting, "Final Resting" that he gave her.
She also advised that this individual had been in a bad accident and had become quite crippled around the time of the hijacking, saying he had been in a car accident. She advised that she had always had a question in her mind, because he had disappeared for a period of time, and then came back later, crippled.
Upon being shown a composite photo of the alleged hijacker, "D. B. COOPER", she said, "It really looks like him. " She indicated she thought it looked like him seventeen years ago when she first saw the composite.
" She indicated she thought it looked like him seventeen years ago when she first saw the composite.
2 - Oklahoma City
2 - Butte (164-26)
164A-41-1941
Per
(Number)
(Tíme)
Searched
-
+ -181-486
Filed
b6 b7C
ME PHETERS Som
DB Cooper-43602
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b7C
- Seattle 2)- Portland
Transmitted
Approved:
SMM (8)
Proper 1
3/15/61 PD 164-41
2. EUGENE COOPER is described as:

Race Sex	White
Male
Nationality	American
Age	Forty to forty-eight
Height	5' 11" - 6'2"
Weight	165-180 pounds
Complexion	Light to medium
Hair	Light to medium brown, greatly receded (had dyed his hair black in. the past)
Build	Medium to well-built
Facial	Clean shaven
Other .
EUGENE COOPER is described as:

Race Sex	White
Male
Nationality	American
Age	Forty to forty-eight
Height	5' 11" - 6'2"
Weight	165-180 pounds
Complexion	Light to medium
Hair	Light to medium brown, greatly receded (had dyed his hair black in. the past)
Build	Medium to well-built
Facial	Clean shaven
Other .	Very intelligent, very articulate
Eyes	Light in color
Past Occupation	Worked in military branch of service in an air traffic control tower, possibly a paramedic
Other Occupations	Automobile ssalesman and mobile home salesman
Other Characteristics	Wore sunglasses often; possibly from the Midwest; walked with slight limp in early part of 1972; also had recently sustained shoulder injury; had cigarette stains on fingers,
ssalesman and mobile home salesman
Other Characteristics	Wore sunglasses often; possibly from the Midwest; walked with slight limp in early part of 1972; also had recently sustained shoulder injury; had cigarette stains on fingers, right hand; personality very abnormal, described as "goofy", heavy drinker, big spender.

The following description is taken from the file regarding the hijacker, DAN COOPER:

Race	White
Sex	Male
Nationality	American
Age	Mid forties
Height	61
Weight	170 - 175 pounds
Complexion	Olive, or medium to swarthy
Hair	Black
Build	Average to well-built
Eyes	Brown
Other	Stewardess said

possibly from the Midwest; cigarette stains on right hand; also described as being, "laboring type man" as opposed to "office worker."
b6 b7C
- 4 -
DB Cooper-43605FORMS. TEXT HAS 1 DOCUMENT OUTBOX.
said

possibly from the Midwest; cigarette stains on right hand; also described as being, "laboring type man" as opposed to "office worker."
b6 b7C
- 4 -
DB Cooper-43605FORMS. TEXT HAS 1 DOCUMENT OUTBOX.1 (#524)
TEXT : VZCZCPD0004 RR OC BT SE DE PD #0004 0882315 ZNR UUUUU R 282300Z MAR 88 FM PORTLAND ( 164A-41) P OKLAHOMA CITY (164-56) ROUTINE BUTTE (164-26) ROUTINE SEATTLE ( 164A-81) ROUTINE BT
UNCLAS NORJAK; 00: SEATTLE. RE PORTLAND AIRTEL TO OKLAHOMA CITY, MARCH 15, 1988. ALL OFFICES ARE REQUESTED TO EXPEDITE COVERAGE OF LEADS SET FORTH IN REFERENCED COMMUNICATION.
BT
#0004
NNNN
16:0-411-1942
SEARCHED

SERIALIZED	b6
INDEX	b7C
FILED

Me Atdienst
DB Cooper-43607FD-36 (Rev. 8-29-85)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype Facsimile AIRTEL
$
FBI
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLASEPTO UNCLAS Date 3/18/88
TO
·
SAC, DENVER
1
FROM
:
SAC,
(RUC) 2
3
SUBJECT: UNSUB, aka
D.
Priority Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLASEPTO UNCLAS Date 3/18/88
TO
·
SAC, DENVER
1
FROM
:
SAC,
(RUC) 2
3
SUBJECT: UNSUB, aka
D.B. COOPER
NORTHWEST AIRLINES FLIGHT
305, PORTLAND TO SEATTLE
CAA-HIJACKING AND EXTORTION
OO SEATTLE
6 7 8 9
Denver, Colorado, telephonically contacted SRA at the Santa Fe Resident Agency. who exclusively requested that his identity not be revealed, advised that he is employed at Inglewood, Colorado, advised the owner of , whom he described as a white male, in his sandy colored hair, blue eyes, 5'7", weighing 180 10 11 pounds.
is @ b6 b7C b7D
12
advised that talks about subject D.B. COOPER all the time and has a fixation about the incident. He claimed that COOPER was with the when he was involved in the
has
b6 b7C b7D
who has a
was in the State of Utah
b7E
for awhile.
drives, a
with Colorado
personalized plates brags about although he always seems to have plenty of cash when he needs it. He recently
17
18 2 - Denver 2 - Portland
19. 2 - Salt Lake City (Info) 2 - Seattle (164-81)
20
1 - Albuquerque
21
(9)
16 4/A-41-1943
INDEXED.
He recently
17
18 2 - Denver 2 - Portland
19. 2 - Salt Lake City (Info) 2 - Seattle (164-81)
20
1 - Albuquerque
21
(9)
16 4/A-41-1943
INDEXED.
Approved:
Transmitted
SEARCHP
(Number)
(Time): RIAL7FE
Linx 2' 1988
Fungovala
MaPleten
DB Cooper-43608
b6 b7C
: 4
5
For information of Denver, on 3/14/88 (PROTECT IDENTITY-REQUEST) ,
b6 b7C b7D
13 14 15 16
aforementioned hijacking. According to written a book on D.B. COOPER, which he hopes to get published in the near future. advised that
b3
b6 b7Cb6
b7C
b6
b7C b7D
advised that activities were decided to
suspicious enough so that
contact a FBI Agent whom they knew.
For information of Denver,
is a
b6
to SA
from Santa Fe, New Mexico, and in while he was employed at the in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
b7C
b7D
LEAD
DENVER
AT DENVER COLORADO
Discreetly contact
and interview him
in detail regarding logical investigation into background of
Thereafter, conduct
and advise 00, auxilary offices, and Albuquerque Division in event calls Santa Fe RA again of the results of Denver's investigation.
b6
b7C
b7D
DB Cooper-43609
- 2* -1641A-41-1944
SSARCITO
a 
b6 b7C
APR 1 3 1988
THAILAND
Me Pleten
b6
b7C
b7D
DB Cooper-43609
- 2* -1641A-41-1944
SSARCITO
a 
b6 b7C
APR 1 3 1988
THAILAND
Me Pleten
DB Cooper-43610 - 1 -
BT 164A-26
. -
The following investigation was conducted by SA , at Boise, Idaho:
On April 6, 1988 Boise, Idaho, telephone number , was interviewed 1 at her place of employment, NAME BRAND CLOTHING, 5165 Glenwood, Boise, Idaho, telephone number (208) 322-4403, at which time she was advised the purpose of the interview was to discuss with her an individual known as EUGENE COOPER, who was acquaint- ed with
JANE MILLER, in the Hermiston, Oregon, area during the early to mid-1970s.
commenced the interview stating that she had been contacted by some FBI Agent by telephone in the recent past. However, at the time of the call, she was unable to speak and ask that she be recontacted. The individual who made the call never did call her back.
also noted that family members have brought to her attention the possibility that the individual met may possibly have been "D.
also noted that family members have brought to her attention the possibility that the individual met may possibly have been "D. B. COOPER" or at least that appears to be the reason family members are being contacted.
stated that she desired to do all that she could to cooperate with the FBI. However, she noted that at the time met and later married GENE COOPER, who was known as "COOP", , herself, was living in Boise. Idaho. She only saw "COOP" on the occasional visits that and "COOP" made and these visits were only for about one or two days in duration.
stated that the best source of information
concerning "COOP" would be contact with "COOP".
who had more
then furnished the following information
b6 concerning :
Hermiston, Oregon, noted that
.
telephone number
should be able to recall almost the exact date of the meeting of and GENE COOPER. seems to recall that the meeting was at the same time as and were buying their first motorhome. believes that could not
this purchase was made in 1971; however, state when in 1971 this occurred.
believes that could not
this purchase was made in 1971; however, state when in 1971 this occurred. Also, along these lines,
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43611 - 2 -
BT 164A-26
would have had contact with they were living in Hermiston, Oregon.
and "COOP" while identified
In regard to
Muskogee, Oklahoma, telephone number advised that
and "COOP" were living in Muskogee, Oklahoma, for a period of time prior to "COOP's" suicide, which occurred at Muskogee, Oklahoma. However, at the time of the suicide, JANE MILLER, had returned to Hermiston, Oregon, where she was residing at the time of "COOP's" suicide.
identified a who resides in a motorhome near the beach at
did not have exact address
Newport, "Oregon. in Newport, Oregon, nor did have phone number. she was having with "COOP." It is known that
commented that did tell of the problems suggestion to was to "divorce that man."
commented that "COOP ' went through many However, was
thousands of dollars of unable to furnish a figure.
"
commented that "COOP ' went through many However, was
thousands of dollars of unable to furnish a figure. commented that
is very upset concerning this information about
"COOP". stated that is quite old, 84-years of age, and has been trying to put the GENE COOPER incident out of her life.
has spoken to , and is aware
that cares not to speak regarding GENE COOPER. In fact, commented to her at this stage in her life she is just trying to stay alive.
believed met GENE COOPER sometime in b6 b7C station in Hillsboro, Oregon. Later, COOP and lived
1971, and that was when was operating the family service at the in Hermiston, Oregon.
Sometime in 1973 or 1974, and EUGENE b6 b7C
COOPER were married in Washington. was unable to identify the place of the marriage, but knew that it was over the State Line from Hermiston, Oregon, and not far into the State of Washington. knew that and COOP were later divorced; however, she was unable to provide the date of divorce, nor the place of divorce.
commented that most of the information she has concerning "COOP" came from
stated that in her opinion, "COOP" was
commented that most of the information she has concerning "COOP" came from
stated that in her opinion, "COOP" was a drunkard, dishonest, immoral, unethical, lazy, a leach, was always broke, and was always looking for something for nothing. :
)
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43612FD-36 (Rev. 8-29-85)
TRANSMIT VIA: 
Teletype
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET Facsimile Airtel SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS-EF TO UNCLAS Date 4/7/88
TO:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41)
FROM :
ACTING SAC, BUTTE (164A-26) (RUC)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
00: SEATTLE
Re Portland airtel to Oklahoma, dated 3/15/88.
Enclosed for receiving offices are two copies of an investi!
gative insert revealing an interview with
Boise, Idaho, which interview was on 4/6/88.
Leads in this matter being left to the discretion of Portland or Office of Origin. .
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
16 17 18 19 20 21 2 - Portland (Enc. 2) 2 - Seattle (Enc. 2) 1 - Butte
(5)
1
1*
b6 b7C
164A-41-1945
Approved:
Transmitted
Per
(Number)
(Time)
3.
2) 2 - Seattle (Enc. 2) 1 - Butte
(5)
1
1*
b6 b7C
164A-41-1945
Approved:
Transmitted
Per
(Number)
(Time)
3.50
JUICE
APR 1 1986): 1987 - 181485
Melhores
5
DB Cooper-43614
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
FBI
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority RoutineNEW MAIL JUST ARRIVED: INBOX . 1 FORMS . TEXT HAS 1 DOCUMENT
OUTBOX.1 (#488)
TEXT :
VZCZCPD0001 RR SE
DE PD #0001 1110056
ZNR UUUUU
R 200001Z APR 88 FM PORTLAND (164-41) (P) TO SEATTLE ROUTINE BT
UNCLAS
NORJAK; 00: SEATTLE
RE PORTLAND AIRTEL TO OKLAHOMA DATED MARCH 15, 1988.
SEATTLE IS REQUESTED TO EXPEDITE COVERAGE OF LEADS SET FORTH IN REFERENCED COMMUNICATION DATED MARCH 15, 1988. SEATTLE IS REQUESTED TO EXPEDITIOUSLY FURNISH PORTLAND CURRECT ADDRESSES, IF AVAILABLE, FOR WITNESSES WHO WERE STEWARDESSES DURING THE 1971 HIJACKING, FOR FUTURE INTERVIEW. WILL ALSO FURNISH PORTLAND ADDRESSES OF OTHER AVAILABLE WITNESSES. BT
b6 b7C
#0001
NNNN
SEARCHED
164A-41-1946
SERIALIZED
SEARCHED.
INDEXED
INDEX
SERIALIZED
FILED,
b6
b7C
FILED
APR 19 1983
FBI - PORTLAND
Me Italiens Se
DB Cooper-43615- 1 -
BT 164A-26
The
INDEXED
INDEX
SERIALIZED
FILED,
b6
b7C
FILED
APR 19 1983
FBI - PORTLAND
Me Italiens Se
DB Cooper-43615- 1 -
BT 164A-26
The following investigation was conducted by SA at Boise, Idaho:
On April 13, 1988, Boise, Idaho, telephone number was interviewed ? at her place of employment, BRAND CLOTHING, 5165 Glenwood, Boise, Idaho, telephone number (208) 322-4403, at which time she was exhibited an artist conception drawing of D. B. COOPER. studied this drawing, and after a few moments replied, "It could possibly be "COOP" but I cannot be sure. " identified
'COOP" as EUGENE COOPER, who is acquainted with and later married JANE MILLER, who resides in Hermiston, Oregon.
furnished the additional information concerning which information she did
b6 b7C not have available when previously interviewed by SA resides at 8 Newport. Oregon, and can be contacted in care of telephone number noted that may answer the phone, but they noted Tee hee will be able to get in touch with that and spend time "out on the beach and they may not be right at their or at their phone.
of telephone number noted that may answer the phone, but they noted Tee hee will be able to get in touch with that and spend time "out on the beach and they may not be right at their or at their phone.
Also, since last contacted, overlooked furnishing the name of fied this individual as Hillsboro, Oregon, telephone number
recalled that she identi- b7C
b6
1
again commented that has attempted to forget the incident concerning her marriage to EUGENE COOPER, and probably will not talk about the individual. apologized b6
b7C for action, and all her efforts to try and convince to talk about this individual and recall all information about him have been unsuccessful.
is afraid
might even furnish false information in her efforts to forget this individual named EUGENE COOPER. stated that it is her
intent and she understands to be the intent of
to cooperate fully with the FBI concerning the inquiries being conducted about EUGENE COOPER.
164A-41-1947 b6 APR 2 5 1988 : b7C midleten &
DB Cooper-43616
b6
b7C
b6 b7CFD-36 (Rev. 8-29.85)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype Airtel
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
85)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype Airtel
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine SEGRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EFTO- UNCLAS Date 4/20/88
1
TO:
SAC, PORTLAND (164A-41)
ACTING SAC, BUTTE (164A-26) (RUC)
M:
3
4
5
6
7
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
CRIME ABOARD AIRCRAFT -
HIJACKING
00: SEATTLE
Re Butte airtel to Portland and Seattle, dated 4/7/88.
Leads are being left to the discretion of the Seattle and Portland Deivisions.
2 2 - Portland (Enc. 2) 2 - Seattle (164A-81) (Enc. 2) 1 - Butte
b6 b7C
(5)
1*
21
Approved:
Transmitted
16417-41-1948 Per
(Number)
(Time)
b6 b7C
APR 45 1988
&U.S. GPO: 1987 - 181-486,
DB Cooper-43617
b6 b7c
b6 b7c
Enclosed for the Seattle Division and Portland Division are two copies each of an investigative insert revealing interview with Boise, Idaho, on 4/13/88. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
FBI
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET Facsimile FD-302 (REV. S-10-82)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
1
Date of transcription.
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
FBI
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET Facsimile FD-302 (REV. S-10-82)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
1
Date of transcription.
4-18-88
Muskogee, Oklahoma,
voluntarily appeared at the Muskogee, Oklahoma, FBI Resident Agency ;. and made available one cassette tape containing the voice of . M.G. COOPER "COOP" dated January 1972. also made available four polaroid photographs reflecting four different instances when "COOP" was photographed.
advised that "COOP" was formerly married to JANE MILLER, who was considerably. older than M.G.
COOPER.
advised that sometime in 1974 or 1975, COOPER committed suicide near CONNOR'S COLLEGE, Warner. Oklahoma, and that was the last known contact with COOPER that remembers.
of
advised that COOPER spent approximately $30,000 money before she separated from him.
advised he has been in telephonic contact with SA McPHETERS, Post Office Box 9, Pendleton, Oregon, regarding .M.G. COOPER and SA McPHETERS advised to turn the cassette tape and four photographs over to the Muskogee, Oklahoma, FBI.
COOPER and SA McPHETERS advised to turn the cassette tape and four photographs over to the Muskogee, Oklahoma, FBI.
b6 b7C 4 
PD 164A-41-1949
LINGUA
SE61 SER CH 16
b6 b7C
Investigation on 3-15-88 at Muskogee, Oklahoma
File
by SA
Date dictated
DB Cooper-43618
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.
SIL& POUT ONPEUT POINTING OFFICE: 1987-181-887:60512
b6 b7C
b6 b7CFD-36 (Rev. 8-29-85)
TRANSMIT VIA: 
Teletype
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
FBI
CLASSIFICATION: x TOP SECRET Facsimile Airtel SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLASEFTO UNCLAS Date 4-18-88
I
TO:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
FROM:
SAC, OKLAHOMA CITY (164A-244) (RUC)
NORJAK;
00: SEATTLE
Re Portland airtel to Oklahoma City dated 3-15-88:
Enclosed is an FD-302 reflecting an interview with on 3-15-88, one cassette tape of M.
UNCLASEFTO UNCLAS Date 4-18-88
I
TO:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
FROM:
SAC, OKLAHOMA CITY (164A-244) (RUC)
NORJAK;
00: SEATTLE
Re Portland airtel to Oklahoma City dated 3-15-88:
Enclosed is an FD-302 reflecting an interview with on 3-15-88, one cassette tape of M.G. COOPER dated' polaroid photographs of COOPER initialed and dated by and one Oklahoma State Medical Examiner report of- MERLIN GENE COOPER, reflecting an examination on 4-4-74.
For information of receiving office, efforts to locate
an arrest record or a police report for MERLIN GENE COOPER, white
male, born 7-8-34, proved negative at the Muskogee, Oklahoma,
Police Department and the Muskogee County Sheriff's Office at
Muskogee, Oklahoma.
No additional investigation regarding this matter is being considered unless requested.
b6 b7C 2
- Portland (Enc. 9) 2 - Oklahoma City
(4)
1*
Cassette Tape/Photos Sent to 11A 180 Med. Rpt 1A181
b6
b7C
PD 164A-41-1950
Approved:
Transmitted
Per
(Number) (Time)
with redes and capatthe tape
APR.U.S. GPO:1987 - 181-408
DB Cooper-43629 b6
b7C Ma Meters 5€
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
b6 b7C 5 5
FORMS .
GPO:1987 - 181-408
DB Cooper-43629 b6
b7C Ma Meters 5€
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
b6 b7C 5 5
FORMS . TEXT HAS 1 DOCUMENT OUTBOX.1 (#616)
TEXT : VZCZCPD0008
PP HQ OC SE LA MI DE PD #0008 1172304 ZNR UUUUU
P 262255Z APR 88 FM PORTLAND (164A-41) ₽ TO DIRECTOR (164-2111) PRIORITY
OKLAHOMA CITY (MUSKEGO RA) ROUTINE SEATTLE PRIORITY
LOS ANGELES PRIORITY MILWAUKEE PRIORITY BT
2
b6 b7C
UNCLAS
ATTENTION: IDENTIFICATION DIVISION,
NORJAK; 00: SEATTLE.
FOR INFORMATION OF BUREAU AND RECEIVING OFFICES, SUSPECT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED IN CAPTIONED MATTER THROUGH INVESTIGATION AT PORTLAND DIVISION, WHO RESIDED IN PENDLETON, OREGON, IN 1970 THROUGH 1972, LEFT FOR TWO WEEKS DURING TIME OF HIJACKING, NOVEMBER 24, 1971, CAME BACK LIMPING AND INJURED, FIT THE DESCRIPTION OF HIJACKER KNOWN AS "D. B. COOPER, " GAVE A PAINTING TO A PENDLETON RESIDENT IN 1972,
SEARCHED SERIALIZED b6 b7C
Mc Itetens INDEX
164A-41-1951
DB Cooper-43630 PAGE TWO DE PD 0008 UNCL
SIGNING SAME "D. B. COOPER, " AND DISPLAYED ALL THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A CON-MAN, INCLUDING MARRYING A WOMAN THIRTY YEARS OLDER AND SPENDING $30,
COOPER, " AND DISPLAYED ALL THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A CON-MAN, INCLUDING MARRYING A WOMAN THIRTY YEARS OLDER AND SPENDING $30,000 OF HER MONEY. AT LEAST TWO INDIVIDUALS WHO KNEW HIM PERSONALLY THROUGH FAMILY ASSOCIATIONS THOUGHT HE WAS D. B. COOPER AT THE TIME THE COMPOSITE SKETCH CAME OUT IN THE NEWSPAPERS IN 1971, BUT WERE RELUCTANT TO CONTACT LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES.
THE SUSPECT RETURNED TO PENDLETON, OREGON, JUST BEFORE THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS IN 1971 LIMPING, INJURED, SOMEWHAT DEPRESSED BUT WITHOUT ANY OBVIOUS EXTRA MONEY; HOWEVER, IT IS FELT THAT THE HIJACKER MAY HAVE LOST THE MONEY UPON EXITING THE BOEING 727 AIRCRAFT IN VIEW OF THE FACT PART OF IT WAS RECOVERED BY BUREAU AGENTS IN THE PORTLAND DIVISION IN THE LATE 1970'S WHEN IT WASHED ASHORE FROM THE COLUMBIA RIVER. THE SUSPECT DEVELOPED WAS 37 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME OF THE HIJACKING AND COMMITTED SUICIDE AT THE AGE OF 39, ALLEGEDLY IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET ATTENTION FROM YOUNG WOMEN IN A DORMITORY NEARBY AND FROM HIS ESTRANGED WIFE. SUSPECT HAD BEEN ASSIGNED AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL DUTIES IN PAST MILITARY ASSIGNMENT AND HAD SEVERAL PRIOR ARRESTS FOR
SUSPECT HAD BEEN ASSIGNED AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL DUTIES IN PAST MILITARY ASSIGNMENT AND HAD SEVERAL PRIOR ARRESTS FOR FRAUD IN OREGON, WISCONSIN AND CALIFORNIA. IN ADDITION, AUTOPSY AT TIME OF DEATH TWO YEARS AFTER HIJACKING SHOWED SUSPECT HAD A CONTUSION BELOW THE KNEE FROM A PRIOR
DB Cooper-43631PAGE THREE DE PD 0008 UN S
INJURY.
FOLLOWING INFORMATION PROVIDED REGARDING SUSPECT: NAME - MERLIN GENE COOPER, AKA JOHN T. TITAN, JOHN COOP TITAN; DOB JULY 8, 1934 (WITNESSES DESCRIBED HIM AS 40 TO 48); POB WISCONSIN; FBI NUMBER 115541D; OREGON SID NUMBER 291 33 33; HEIGHT 6'2"; WEIGHT 170 POUNDS; COMPLEXION - PHOTOGRAPHS RECENTLY OBTAINED FROM MUSKEGO, OKLAHOMA, DEPICTS SUBJECT WITH DARKER COMPLEXION; BROWN HAIR ( HAD DYED HIS HAIR BLACK IN PAST); BLUE EYES; SCARS - RIGHT WRIST, RIGHT FOREARM, RIGHT LEG; TATTOOS - RIGHT FOREARM; SOC 397-28-6121; OTHER CHARACTERISTICS - CIGARETTE STAINS ON RIGHT HAND.
THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION IS TAKEN FROM FILE REGARDING WITNESSES" DESCRIPTIONS OF HIJACKER DAN COOPER: WHITE MALE AMERICAN, MID-FORTIES, 6, 170 TO 175 POUNDS, OLIVE COMPLEXION OR MEDIUM TO SWARTHY
THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION IS TAKEN FROM FILE REGARDING WITNESSES" DESCRIPTIONS OF HIJACKER DAN COOPER: WHITE MALE AMERICAN, MID-FORTIES, 6, 170 TO 175 POUNDS, OLIVE COMPLEXION OR MEDIUM TO SWARTHY COMPLEXION, BLACK HAIR, BROWN EYES, AVERAGE TO WELL-BUILT, CIGARETTE STAINS ON RIGHT HAND.
LOS ANGELES AT SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA. WILL FURNISH ARREST REPORT FROM SANTA ANA SHERIFF'S OFFICE IN 1960 FOR "INSUFFICIENT FUNDS" CHECK AND A PHOTO IF AVAILABLE. MILWAUKEE AT MADISON, WISCONSIN. 1. WILL FURNISH ARREST REPORT FROM 1959 ARREST BY MADISON POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR "FAMILY
DB Cooper-436322 PAGE FOUR DE PD 0008 UNCI
OFFENSE - NON-SUPPORT". 2. WILL ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON MERLIN COOPER'S FAMILY THROUGH INQUIRY WITH HIS BIRTH RECORD AT DEPARTMENT OF VITAL STATISTICS IN AN ATTEMPT TO IDENTIFY COOPER'S PARENTS AND/OR OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS, NOTING COOPER WAS ALLEGEDLY VERY CLOSE TO MOTHER AND MAY HAVE CONFIDED INFORMATION IN HER RELATIVE TO HIJACKING IF SHE CAN BE LOCATED. 3. CONDUCT ANY OTHER PERTINENT INVESTIGATION IN AN EFFORT TO LOCATE ANY OF COOPER'S RELATIVES, NOTING HE WAS BORN IN WISCONSIN AND POSSIBLY RAISED THERE.
CONDUCT ANY OTHER PERTINENT INVESTIGATION IN AN EFFORT TO LOCATE ANY OF COOPER'S RELATIVES, NOTING HE WAS BORN IN WISCONSIN AND POSSIBLY RAISED THERE.
SEATTLE AT SEATTLE, WASHINGTON. WILL FURNISH PORTLAND AVAILABLE KNOWN ADDRESSES FOR WITNESSES IN THIS MATTER AS PREVIOUSLY REQUESTED.
REQUEST OF THE BUREAU :
THE IDENTIFICATION DIVISION IS REQUESTED TO COMPARE KNOWN FINGERPRINTS OF SUSPECT MERLIN GENE COOPER, DOB JULY 8, 1934, WITH ALL LATENTS TAKEN FROM BOEING 727 AIRCRAFT SUBSEQUENT TO HIJACKING IN 1971. THE BUREAU IS ALSO REQUESTED TO FURNISH ANY INFORMATION FROM MILITARY RECORDS AVAILABLE ON MERLIN COOPER, NOTING M. N. USER UMBRELLA NUMBER IN NCIC PRINT-OUT WAS OA-OSP-32061. BT
#0008
NNNN
DB Cooper-43633FORMS. TEXT HAS 1 DOCUMENT OUTBOX.1 (#160)
TEXT : VZCZCPD0004 PP SL SE DE PD #0004 1232007 ZNR UUUUU P 022005Z MAY 88 FM PORTLAND (164A-41) (P) TO SAINT. LOUIS PRIORITY SEATTLE (164-81) ROUTINE BT
UNCLAS
NORJAK; 00: SEATTLE
RE PORTLAND TELCALL OF SA SAMUEL M. MC PHETERS TO IC SAINT LOUIS DIVISION, DATED MAY 2, 1988. ›
FOR INFORMATION OF SAINT LOUIS, SUSPECT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED IN CAPTIONED MATTER, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: NAME MERLIN
›
FOR INFORMATION OF SAINT LOUIS, SUSPECT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED IN CAPTIONED MATTER, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: NAME MERLIN GENE COOPER, WHITE MALE AMERICAN, DOB JULY 8, 1934, POB LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN, AIRFORCE MILITARY SERVICE NUMBER AF16395386.
SAINT LOUIS AT MILITARY RECORDS CENTER. FURNISH ANY AVAILABLE MILITARY RECORD IDENTIFIABLE WITH MERLIN GENE COOPER, DOB JULY 8, 1934, MILITARY RECORD AS REFLECTED ABOVE. BT
#0004
164A-41-1952
SEARCHED
SERIALIZED
b6 b7C
INDEX
FILED 4,
b6 b7C
NNNN
DB Cooper-43634 1-336 (Rev. 10-26-79)
1
V
T
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Washington, D. C. 20537
REPORT of the
LATENT FINGERPRINT SECTION IDENTIFICATION DIVISION

YOUR FILE NO.	164A-41 (P)
FBI FILE NO.	164-2111
LATENT CASE NO.	A-45410

5/10/88
TO: SAC, Portland
RE:
NORJAK
REFERENCE: Teletype 4/7/88
EXAMINATION REQUESTED BY: Portland SPECIMENS:
This report confirms and supplements Bucal of 4/29/88.
5/10/88
TO: SAC, Portland
RE:
NORJAK
REFERENCE: Teletype 4/7/88
EXAMINATION REQUESTED BY: Portland SPECIMENS:
This report confirms and supplements Bucal of 4/29/88.
The previously reported unidentified latent fingerprints in this case are not the fingerprints of MERLIN GENE COOPER, FBI #115541D, U.S. Air Force service #AF16395386, born 7/8/34 in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
2 - Seattle (164-81)
THIS REPORT IS FURNISHED POR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
DB Cooper-43635 FOI/DOJ
164A-41-1953VED-36 (Rev. 8-26-82)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
FBI
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET 9Facsimile AIRTEL SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EF TO UNCLAS Date 5/31/88
TO
: SAC, PORTLAND (164A-41)
FROM
: SAC, LOS ANGELES (164A-497) (C-1
(RUC)
SUBJECT: NORJACK; 00: Seattle
Re Portland teletype to the Bureau, dated 4/26/88.
Enclosed for Portland is one black and white photograph taken of MERLIN GENE COOPER, also known as John Coop Titan, Marlin Gene Cooper on 11/22/60, when he was received in the ORANGE COUNTY JAIL, Santa Ana,
Enclosed for Portland is one black and white photograph taken of MERLIN GENE COOPER, also known as John Coop Titan, Marlin Gene Cooper on 11/22/60, when he was received in the ORANGE COUNTY JAIL, Santa Ana, California, following his arrest on a RICHMOND POLICE DEPARTMENT, Richmond, California warrant for non-sufficient funds-checks. Enclosed also are copies of his ORANGE COUNTY JAIL booking sheet and a copy of his CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE identification record. The above was obtained from Central Jail records, ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT, Santa Ana, California on 5/19 & 5/23/88, respectively.
ORANGE COUNTY JAIL records reflect that MERLIN GENE COOPER was arrested, fingerprinted, and photographed on 11/22/60. He was released on 11/23/60 to Deputy CONTRA COSTA SHERIFFS OFFICE, Contra Costa County, California. I
The following information was obtained from the ORANGE COUNTY JAIL in processing sheet:

Name	MERLIN GENE COOPER
Sex	Male
Race	Caucasian
Height	6'2"

 2 - Portland (Encl
2 - Seattle (INFORMATION ONLY) (Enc.
2"

 2 - Portland (Encl
2 - Seattle (INFORMATION ONLY) (Enc. 3) 1 - Los Angeles
(5)
1644-41-1956.3
V
b6 b7C
Approved:
Transmitted
Per
(Number)
(Time)
Mc Oldanão
DB Cooper-43659
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C 164A-41-1956A b6 b7C
Mallet En !
DB Cooper-43661ORANGE COUNTY JAIL
98107
YANK
&c . CH K
77914-
13918
COOPER, MERLIN GEur
Appar: 13910 Carepress, Pormur, C.A.
WARRANT # II
MAL 4

POKER ron	COOKED NY	DEFY
HINTENSE	11-23-€) - 4

RACE ARE
HTC8 WT 188
FYLL
Kad
Med
LEXTHOATT 8 July 1934
La Cross, Videonas
CITIZENSHIP 0.0
Tat RFAO two hands clasped withvero and Toislam NGC "
Salesman
Unemployed
OCCUPATION
EMPLOYED DY
Orpha O Cooper
(Nthr)
ADDRESS La Cross, Wisconsor
NEAHEET KIN
11-22-60#
.1-22-60
11-22-60
PALM
"It
110
haphones Lot: Head
Thanh
Thumb
Imprantiom
0
DB Cooper-43662
b6 b7C
CHILD
COLFAX
Divoroad
MARKS & #CARS
MARITAL STATES
MAUSPAD
HA CARE
:15-54) Roconks Copy164A-41-1956
1-22-60
11-22-60
PALM
"It
110
haphones Lot: Head
Thanh
Thumb
Imprantiom
0
DB Cooper-43662
b6 b7C
CHILD
COLFAX
Divoroad
MARKS & #CARS
MARITAL STATES
MAUSPAD
HA CARE
:15-54) Roconks Copy164A-41-1956
ENCHED
b6
SERIALIZE
DAR
b7C
JUNTO :305
Mc Pheters
DB Cooper-43663 *****
STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE BUREAU OF CRIMINAL IDENTIFICATION AND INVESTIGATION P. O. Box 1659. Sacramento
The following CII record, NUMBER
IS FOR OFFICIAL USI. ONLY
Fil
77910 alicia
11 IS : A 0 8 S 1
CI!
1 776 957
00. 3 BRN HAZ 6-2 180
MERLIN GENE COOPER
WISC.
195 FG19 115 543 0 SS# 397-28-6121
CORRECTED COPY

ARNESTED OR RECIVCD	DEPARTMENT AND HUMDEN	NAME	CHARGE	CIAOUTEN
ALIAS:	JOHN COOP TITAN;	6
1-13-59	SO MADISON WISC B-5511	MERLIN GENE COOPER	NON SUPP WARR	TOT LACROSSE CC, WISC. SHERIFF
2-6-59	2D MADISON,WISC 17263	MERLIN GENE COOPER	PROB VIO & WORTHLESS CHECKS	REMANDED C/O SHERIF
2-13-52	SO LA CROSSE, WISC €0-59	MERLIN GEKE
195 FG19 115 543 0 SS# 397-28-6121
CORRECTED COPY

ARNESTED OR RECIVCD	DEPARTMENT AND HUMDEN	NAME	CHARGE	CIAOUTEN
ALIAS:	JOHN COOP TITAN;	6
1-13-59	SO MADISON WISC B-5511	MERLIN GENE COOPER	NON SUPP WARR	TOT LACROSSE CC, WISC. SHERIFF
2-6-59	2D MADISON,WISC 17263	MERLIN GENE COOPER	PROB VIO & WORTHLESS CHECKS	REMANDED C/O SHERIF
2-13-52	SO LA CROSSE, WISC €0-59	MERLIN GEKE COOPER	NON SUPP & PAROLE VIO BAD CHECKS	6 MOS CO JE .
LA CROSSE ,WISC
$+18-59	PD JANESVILLE , UTSCH
5040	MERLIN GENE COOPER	WARR OTHER JURISD	FEL BY POLICE
5-3-60	SV. DEPT. FOTOR VIU CLE, SALESMAN	HERLIN GENE COOPER	APP. VEHICLE SALESMAN
10. STER NA TISMO
	BERLIN GENE COOPER	476A PC
MERLIN GENE COOPER	E/R PD
STER NA TISMO
	BERLIN GENE COOPER	476A PC
MERLIN GENE COOPER	E/R PD RICHMOND (INSUF FULES)
MERLIN GENE COOPER	HARB. - O
DB Cooper-43664

VEDEMAL DRAUF EMANCI
77910
The following FBI record, NUMBER 115 541 D
is furnished FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY.

CANTIBLUTOR OF. ROMA ETALHTS	NALE AND NUNICA	ARRESTED OR RECEIVED	CHANTE	NAPONTA
130 Madison Wis	Merlin Gone Cooper #B 5511	1-13-59	non support war	TOT Lacrosse Co Wis Sheriff
PD Madison Wis	Merlin Gene Cooper #17264	2-6-59	prob vio & worthless chks	remandod c/o Sheriff sec supplement
So la Crosse Wis	Merlin Gene Cooper #69-59	2-13-59	non support parole vio bad checks	o mos. Co JI La Crosse Wis
war ofher wuried	sel ty
CANTIBLUTOR OF. ROMA ETALHTS	NALE AND NUNICA	ARRESTED OR RECEIVED	CHANTE	NAPONTA
130 Madison Wis	Merlin Gone Cooper #B 5511	1-13-59	non support war	TOT Lacrosse Co Wis Sheriff
PD Madison Wis	Merlin Gene Cooper #17264	2-6-59	prob vio & worthless chks	remandod c/o Sheriff sec supplement
So la Crosse Wis	Merlin Gene Cooper #69-59	2-13-59	non support parole vio bad checks	o mos. Co JI La Crosse Wis
war ofher wuried	sel ty pol
80 Santa Ana Calif	
Merlin Gene Cooper 4777910	11-22-60	CFC Sec. 476A
SO Martinsz Callf	Merlin Gene 77910 Cooper .#90552	11-23-50	enroute Richmond PD (insufficient funds)

Yes android be ' ARE NOT BASED ON FINGERPRINTS IN FBI Ske.
#90552	11-23-50	enroute Richmond PD (insufficient funds)

Yes android be ' ARE NOT BASED ON FINGERPRINTS IN FBI Ske. The entities are based on date Inorig & shred the Band concerning individuals of the same or similar, casoes be chows and ASI LISTED
DB Cooper-43665FD-36 (Rev. 8-29-85)
Y
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype Facsimile AIRTEL
FBI
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLASEFTO UNCLAS Date 6/10/88
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE
FROM: , PORTLAND (164A-41) (P)
NORJAK;
(00: Seattle)
Enclosed for Seattle is one copy of one tape of voice of MERLIN EUGENE COOPER, one copy each of four photographs of COOPER, and one copy of Oklahoma State Medical Examiner report.
It should be noted that the following criminal record exists for COOPER, who has FBI number 115541D and Oregon SID number 2913333, and also uses the aliases of John Titan and John Coop Titan.
It should be noted that the following criminal record exists for COOPER, who has FBI number 115541D and Oregon SID number 2913333, and also uses the aliases of John Titan and John Coop Titan. His social security number is 397-28-6121:
Arrest
1969 Fraud of Inn Keeper Roseburg, Oregon, P.D.
Arrest
1967
Fraud Roseburg, Oregon
1967 Fraud of Inn Keeper Sheriff's Office, Roseburg, Oregon
1960 Insufficient Funds Check Sheriff's Office Santa Anna, California
2 - Seattle (Enc. 6) 2 - Portland
SMM : (4)
16LA-41-1957
b6 b7C
Approved:
Transmitted
Per
(Number) (Time)
SEARCHED SERIALIZED INDEXED @U.S. GPO: 1987 - 161-485 b6 b7C
FILED
DB Cooper-43666
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
b6 b7c
Arrest
Arrest,
Y PD 164A-41
Arrest
1959 Insufficient Funds Check Madison, Wisconsin, P.D. Family offense-Non-support Sheriff's Office Madison, Wisconsin
Additional identifying data is as follows:

Date of Birth	7/8/34
Place of Birth	LaCrosse, Wisconsin
Height	6'2"
Weight	170
offense-Non-support Sheriff's Office Madison, Wisconsin
Additional identifying data is as follows:

Date of Birth	7/8/34
Place of Birth	LaCrosse, Wisconsin
Height	6'2"
Weight	170 pounds
Hair	Brown
Eyes	Blue
Scars, Marks, Tattoos	Tattoo on right forearm, scar on right wrist, scar on right forearm, scar on right leg
Air Force Serial Number	AF1639386 (Enlisted at Milwaukee, Wisconsin on 1/18/52)

LEAD
SEATTLE DIVISION
AT SEATTLE, WASHINGTON. Will locate witnesses in effort to coordinate photographic spread and hearing tape of suspect's voice.
DB Cooper-43667
- 2* -FD-36 (Rev. 8-29-85)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype Facsimile AIRTEL
FBI
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EPTO UNCLAS Date 7/7/88
TO: SAC, SEATTLE
FROM :
SAC, PORTLAND (164A-41) (P)
NORJAK
(00:
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EPTO UNCLAS Date 7/7/88
TO: SAC, SEATTLE
FROM :
SAC, PORTLAND (164A-41) (P)
NORJAK
(00: Seattle)
Re Portland airtel to Seattle dated 3/15/88; and Portland airtel to Seattle dated 6/10/88.
Seattle Division is requested to cover those leads requested in referenced communications, pertaining to providing Portland addresses for witnesses, in an effort to coordinate photographic spread and hearing of tape of suspect's voice. It is noted that a lengthy period of time has elapsed in this matter and the Portland Division is desirous that these leads be covered in the very near future so that the matter can be resolved on a timely basis.
D
2 - Seattle 2 )- Portland
20 21 SMM
(4)
- 1* -
b6 b7C
Approved:
Transmitted Per
(Number)
(Time)
1641-41-1958
GPO : 1987 0 - 193-749
SEARCHED
SERIALIZED
Mc Photon 5 6 b7C
INDEXED
FILED
DB Cooper-43668
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 .
FD-36 (Rev. 8-29-85)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype Facsimile
FBI
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
CLASSIFICATION: :
8-29-85)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype Facsimile
FBI
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET AIRTEL CONFIDENTIAL UNCLASEFTO- UNCLAS Date 7/28/88
TO:
DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111)
FROM :
SAC, SEATTLE (164A-81) (P)
NORJAK;
00:
SEATTLE
RE: MERLIN GENE COOPER, Subject Number 1002.
Re Portland teletype to FBIHQ, 4/26/88.
Referenced teletype advised MERLIN GENE COOPER has been developed as a suspect by the Portland Division. Suspect resided in Pendleton, Oregon, in 1970 through 1972. He left for two weeks during the time of the hijacking on 11/24/71. He returned injured; walking with a limp.
MERLIN GENE COOPER's description fits the general physical description of the unknown subject. In 1972, he gave a painting to a Pendleton resident signing the name "D.B. Cooper". At least two individuals who knew him personally through family associations thought he was D. B. COOPER at the time the composite sketch came out in the newspapers in 1971, but were reluctant to contact law enforcement authorities.
COOPER at the time the composite sketch came out in the newspapers in 1971, but were reluctant to contact law enforcement authorities. The suspect has been assigned air traffic control duties in past military assignments. An autopsy at the time of death two years after the hijacking showed suspect had a contusion below the knee from a prior injury.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
2- Bureau 2- Butte (164A-26) 1- Los Angeles (164A-497) (INFO) 1- Milwaukee (164A-36) (INFO)
1- Oklahoma City (164A-56) 2- Portland (164A-41) 
I- St. Louis (164A-63) (INFO) 3- Seattle
16414-41-1959
(12) Approved:
Transmitted
0 Per
ruot 3
(Number) (Time)
b6 b7C
A11.1 1 1 1988
HESIFUESEENON
MINETERE
DB Cooper-43669
7
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21- 302 (REV. 3 -10-82)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Date of transcription 8/4/88
On August 2, 1988, ORPHA COOPER, white female, date of birth May 17, 1915, 353 Tyrell Court, Apartment Number 121, Delavan, Wisconsin, telephone number (414) 728-2844, was interviewed at her retirement home.
OF INVESTIGATION
Date of transcription 8/4/88
On August 2, 1988, ORPHA COOPER, white female, date of birth May 17, 1915, 353 Tyrell Court, Apartment Number 121, Delavan, Wisconsin, telephone number (414) 728-2844, was interviewed at her retirement home. After being advised of the identity of the interviewing agent and the purpose of the interview Mrs. COOPER provided the following chronology of her son's life.
MERLIN GENE COOPER was born July 8, 1934 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He served at least three years in the United States Air Force, and was discharged in January 1956 at Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Mrs. COOPER had her son's dog tags which indicated his service number was AF16395386.
In the 1950's MERLIN COOPER was an air traffic controller at Midway Airport in Chicago, Illinois and Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin. Mrs. COOPER had saved a business card indicating MERLIN had worked at IMPORT MOTORS, INC. Route 19, JCT 12 5397, Eau Claire, Wisconsin in 1964. She also believed MERLIN worked at DISNEY FILMS in California in 1965. From 1965 to 1966, COOPER was a logger in Oregon. During this time he was in a traffic accident and broke his arm, which required several operations.
During this time he was in a traffic accident and broke his arm, which required several operations.
In 1966, MERLIN COOPER was convicted of fraud by issuing bad checks and consequently served time at the Oregon State Penitentiary, Salem, Oregon, from 1966-1967. During this time MERLIN COOPER wrote Mrs. COOPER two letters. Mrs. COOPER gave the letter post marked September 25, 1967 to the interviewing agent so handwriting analysis could be conducted.
From 1967-1968 COOPER worked at an auto garage in Coos Bay, Oregon. In 1969 he managed a filling station in Stoddard, Oregon. From 1972 till his death on April 4, 1974, COOPER resided in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The death was investigated by Detective of either Warner or Muskogee, Oklahoma and was latter ruled a suicide.
b6 b7C
PD 164A-41-1960
Investigation on 8/2/88 at Delavan, Wisconsin
File # MI 164A-36
by SA
Date dictated 8/3/88
This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI.
b6 property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not distributed outside your agency.
b6 property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not distributed outside your agency.
ADV 198 b7C
Mc Pheters
F! 
DB Cooper-43672 1
FD - 302 a ( Rev . 11 - 15 - 83 ) 0
MI 164A-36 
Continuation of FD -302 of ORPHA COOPER
on 8/2/88
. Page
2
Mrs. COOPER confessed "MERLIN was kind of a con man", but could not remember him ever signing on of his many paintings D.B. COOPER. She was not aware of his being trained in parachuting or ever having a lot of money. She did not consider them close and did not believe he ever had a close friend.
residing at Berwyn, Illinois, Telephone number works third shift at Midway Airport,
is currently
Chicago, Illinois as a
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43673FD-36 (Rev. 8-26-82)
FBI
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET FacsimiRIRTEL 
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine HEORET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLASEFTO UNCLAS Date
8/4/88
TO: DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111) (Attn.
TOP SECRET FacsimiRIRTEL 
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine HEORET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLASEFTO UNCLAS Date
8/4/88
TO: DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111) (Attn. Laboratory Division, Document Section) FROM: SAC, MILWAUKEE (164A-36) (MRA) (P)
SUBJECT: NORJAK; CRIME ABOARD AN AIRCRAFT - HIJACKING; 00: SEATTLE
abcago
1/2/ will call
Re Milwaukee airtel to Director, dated 7/22/88.
Enclosed for the Bureau is a letter written by MERLIN COOPER while he served time at the Oregon State Penitentiary. The letter is addressed to ORPHA COOPER and is post marked 9/25/67. Also enclosed for the Bureau are two copies of the FD-302 regarding the interview of ORPHA COOPER.
Enclosed for Portland is one copy of the FD-302 of ORPHA COOPER.
Enclosed for Seattle is one original and one copy of the ORPHA COOPER interview.
Enclosed for Chicago are copies of Milwaukee airtels to the Director, dated 6/9/88, 7/22/88, and Milwaukee memo of 6/27/88.
On 8/2/88, ORPHA COOPER was interviewed concerning her son, MERLIN COOPER. Contrary to other reports, Mrs. COOPER denied that she was close to her son.
On 8/2/88, ORPHA COOPER was interviewed concerning her son, MERLIN COOPER. Contrary to other reports, Mrs. COOPER denied that she was close to her son. However, this denial seems to contradict MERLIN's statements made in the enclosed letter. MERLIN also mentioned in the letter that he was expecting a large sum of money and was going bald. (ORPHA COOPER stated that at the time of his death in 1974, MERLIN was almost completely bald. In high school graduation pictures MERLIN had a full head of hair) .
3 - Bureau (Encl. 3) 1 - Chicago (Encl. 3) 2- Portland (164-41) (Encl. 1) 2 - Seattle (Encl. 2) 2 - Milwaukee (164A-36)
164A. 41-1961
Approved
Transmitted
Per
(10)
(Number) (Time)
1
b6 Uu 0 - 1983 b7c
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE MED Alotas13-45
DB Cooper-43674
b6 b7C
Q 8 
TRANSMIT VIA: TeletypeMemorandum
您
To
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164A-41) (P)
Date 8/18/88
From :
SA SAMUEL M. MCPHETERS
Subject :
NORJAK;
CRIME ABOARD AN AIRCRAFT -
HIJACKING
(00: Seattle)
On 8/11/88, Ralph Himmelsbach, Retired Special Agent,
FBI, Portland Division, advised Special Agent Samuel M.
MCPHETERS
Subject :
NORJAK;
CRIME ABOARD AN AIRCRAFT -
HIJACKING
(00: Seattle)
On 8/11/88, Ralph Himmelsbach, Retired Special Agent,
FBI, Portland Division, advised Special Agent Samuel M. McPheters
that he has recently be able to determine from one of his sources
that
a former witness in this matter.
and is currently residing the Sheridan, Oregon area. It is noted that D. B. Cooper's parachutes and money to and from and was .the primary witness in the hijacking incident as captioned. 4 On 8/16/88, Special Agent McPheters was in telephonic contact with Investigative Assistant relative
to this matter, and indicated a willingness to make inquiries to locate in the Sheridan, Oregon area, where she could later be available for interview.
LEAD
PORTLAND DIVISION
AT PORTLAND, OREGON. Investigative Assistant is requested to locate as requested, and determine her location for future interview. 2 - Portland
CA - Mc /titas
SMM :
(2)
- 1 *-
discontinue per instructions of c/a McPheteus
164A-41-1962
SEARCHED SERIALIZE
AUG 18 1988
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43677
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C REPORT of the
LABORATORY
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION WASHINGTON, D.
of c/a McPheteus
164A-41-1962
SEARCHED SERIALIZE
AUG 18 1988
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43677
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C REPORT of the
LABORATORY
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION WASHINGTON, D. C. 20535
To:
SAC, Milwaukee (164A-36) (MRA)
September 2, 1988

FBI FILE NO.	164-2111
LAB. NO.	80808079 D LL

Re:
NORJAK;
CRIME ABOARD AN AIRCRAFT -
HIJACKING;
00:
Seattle

Examination requested by:	Addressee
Reference:	Communication dated August 4, 1988
Examination requested:	Document
Specimens received	August 8, 1988

Specimen:
K5
Two-page letter and envelope bearing purported known
hand printing of MERLIN COOPER
Result of examination:
The demand note in this case was never recovered.
K5 was photographed and is returned herewithu
Enclosure
2 - Seattle (164-81) 2 - Chicago 2 - Portland (164-41)
IULIA -41-1963
SEARCHE SERIALIZ
IDEXEA LED
1 SEP 0 6 1988 FBI - PORTLAND
DOJ
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43678VZCZCPD0012 RR HQ MI CG BT OC SE DE PD #0012 2742342 * ZNR UUUUU R 302309Z SEP 88 FM
(164-81) 2 - Chicago 2 - Portland (164-41)
IULIA -41-1963
SEARCHE SERIALIZ
IDEXEA LED
1 SEP 0 6 1988 FBI - PORTLAND
DOJ
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43678VZCZCPD0012 RR HQ MI CG BT OC SE DE PD #0012 2742342 * ZNR UUUUU R 302309Z SEP 88 FM FBI PORTLAND ( 164A-41 ) (RUC) TO DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111) /ROUTINE/ FBI MILWAUKEE (164-36) (MRA) /ROUTINE/ FBI CHICAGO/ROUTINE/ FBI BUTTE (164A-26) /ROUTINE/INFO FBI OKLAHOMA CITY (164A-244) /ROUTINE/INFO FBI SEATTLE (164A-81) /ROUTINE/ INFO BT UNCLAS CITE : //3670//
2
SUBJECT: NORJAK; 00: SEATTLE. FOR INFORMATION OF BUREAU AND ALL RECEIVING OFFICE, MERLIN GENE COOPER (DATE OF BIRTH JULY 8, 1934), SHOULD BE ELIMINATED AS A SUSPECT IN THIS MATTER, IN THAT INVESTIGATION BY ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
Ryg
b7C
b6 1644-41-1964 10/68 Mc Pheters
SEARCHED SERIALIZED INDEX
1
FILED
DB Cooper-43679PAGE TWO DE PD 0022 UNCLAS
THE PENDLETON, OREGON, RESIDENT AGENCY, DETERMINED ON SEPTEMBER 30, 1988, THAT COOPER WAS AN IN-PATIENT AT THE WALLA WALLA GENERAL HOSPITAL IN WALLA WALLA, WASHINGTON, FROM OCTOBER 18, 1971, THROUGH DECEMBER 1, 1971. IT IS NOTED THE HIJACKING OCCURRED NOVEMBER 24, 1971. SPECIFICALLY, NURSES NOTES FOR THE DAY OF NOVEMBER 24, 1971, WOULD ELIMINATE SUSPECT.
IT IS NOTED THE HIJACKING OCCURRED NOVEMBER 24, 1971. SPECIFICALLY, NURSES NOTES FOR THE DAY OF NOVEMBER 24, 1971, WOULD ELIMINATE SUSPECT. ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
BT
#0012
NNNN
DB Cooper-43680File - Serial Charge Out FD-5 (Rev. 10-13-89)
Date
2.11.97
File
164.41
Class.
Office of Origin
Case No.
Last Serial Pending Closed

Serial No.	Description of Serial	Date Charged
1965	Missing when ourging	case
Con Lacafe

Do Not Remove

b6 ৳7C
RECHARGE
Date
To
From
Initials of Clerk
Date
Date charged
Employee
Location
FPI-ABK
DB Cooper-43681164-41-1966

SEARCHE	DEXE
SERIALIZ	LED

b6 b7C
OCT 1 1 1988
FBL - PORTLAND Mc Patent Smm
DB Cooper-43682CONFIDENTIAL
Special Agent In Charge Federal
SEARCHE	DEXE
SERIALIZ	LED

b6 b7C
OCT 1 1 1988
FBL - PORTLAND Mc Patent Smm
DB Cooper-43682CONFIDENTIAL
Special Agent In Charge Federal bureau of Investigation P.O. Box 709 Portland, Oregon 97207
October 5, 1988
Sarasota, FL
(phone
The Honorable Senator William Proxmire S.D. 530 Washington D.C. 20510
RE: CASE OF D.B.COOPER / sky jacking
I am forwarding this information with the expection that it will be followed up on in a professional manner and not merely dismissed with a wave of the hand, as was the case when I first reported this to the Security Chief at Wisconsins Kettle Moraine State Prison
One of the prisoners
told me that he had lots of money waiting for him on the out- side. That statment in and of itself does not mean any- thing, but let us put the whole picture together. The party in question was not from Wisconsin, but came from a tri-state area where Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota come together. He was serving time and know this to be
true. The coincidence that most intrigues me, and my reason for once again bringing this matter to authorities, is that are so interesting.
The coincidence that most intrigues me, and my reason for once again bringing this matter to authorities, is that are so interesting. His
name in the Wisconsin State Prison system was was also an avid aviation buff and outdoors-
b6 b7C b7D men; was a solitary figure in the prison population, He often spoke of survival in the Wild-
erness. He was
I hope that this confidential information will be of some help to you, no one will ever know unless you check
-
b6 out this lead. Good Luck, let me know if I can be of any assistance to you.
b7C b7D
Yours in community
DB Cooper-43683
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7DMemorandum
To
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164A-41) (P)
Date
10/11/88
From :
SA SAMUEL M. MC PHETERS
Subject :
NORJAK
(00: Seattle)
Re Portland airtel to Seattle dated 6/10/88.
In referenced communication it was noted that the following criminal record exists for suspect MERLIN EUGENE COOPER, who has FBI number 115541D, Oregon SID number 2913333, and also uses the aliases of John Titan and John Coop Titan. His social security number is 397-28-6121 and he has a date of birth 7/8/34.
MERLIN EUGENE COOPER, who has FBI number 115541D, Oregon SID number 2913333, and also uses the aliases of John Titan and John Coop Titan. His social security number is 397-28-6121 and he has a date of birth 7/8/34. Prior arrests include the following:
1. Arrest, 1969, fraud of innkeeper, Roseburg, Oregon, Police Department 2. Arrest, 1967, fraud, Roseburg, Oregon.
3. Arrest, 1967, fraud of innkeeper, Sheriff's Office Roseburg, Oregon.
LEAD
PORTLAND DIVISION
AT ROSEBURG, OREGON. Will obtain all pertinent arrest records, reports, and photographs and make available to Pendleton Resident Agent.
8
2 - Portland
SMM (2)
Rosekung lead
Re08At. McPheters 10/11/88
- 1 *-
164-41-1967
SEARCHED SERIALIZE
OCT 11 1988
FBI-PORTLAND Malleters 5mm
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43684 2
1 FD-36 (Rev. 8-29-85)
TRANSMIT VIA: 
Teletype 
Facsimile Airtel
FBI
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EFTO UNCLAS Date 6/9/88
TO :
DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111)
FROM :
SAC, MILWAUKEE (164A-36) (MRA) (P)
NORJAK;
.
Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EFTO UNCLAS Date 6/9/88
TO :
DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111)
FROM :
SAC, MILWAUKEE (164A-36) (MRA) (P)
NORJAK;
. CRIME ABOARD AIRCRAFT-HIJACKING;
OC: SEATTLE
Re Portland teletype, 4/26/88, captioned as above.
On 5/2/88, ៛ Madison Police Department (MPD) Records, Madison, Wisconsin, reviewed MPD records for MERLIN GENE COOPER and advised that COOPER was arrested on 2/6/59 for probation violation and issuing worthless checks; 6/24/60 for issuing worthless checks; and again on 2/4/61 for two counts of issuing worthless checks. At the time of his 2/4/61 arrest, COOPER listed a permanent residence address of 13718 Graystone, Norwalk, California.
advised that the arrest reports for the above offenses were microfilmed and the original reports destroyed. The microfilm printer for the format in which these records were copied was now broken and repair parts were no longer available. The film was therefore sent to the University of Wisconsin Media Laboratory for transfer to a more modern format. Copies of the actual reports were finally obtained on 5/19/88.
The film was therefore sent to the University of Wisconsin Media Laboratory for transfer to a more modern format. Copies of the actual reports were finally obtained on 5/19/88. A review of these reports indicates COOPER, in addition to writing worthless checks, was wanted for non-support in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. No information is contained in the records identifying any of COOPER'S relatives. COOPER did serve one year at the Wisconsin State Penitentiary at Waupun, Wisconsin.
On 5/19/88, a review of birth records at the Wisconsin Bureau of Vital Statistics, Madison, Wisconsin, determined that COOPER was born 7/8/34 to SILAS BYRON COOPER and ORPHA GRIFFIN COOPER. The COOPERS' residence was listed as Coon Valley,
2-Bureau (164-2111) 2-Los Angeles 2-Seattle
@Milwaukee (164A 36)
Approved (9)
Transmitted
1
?
(Number)
SEAR SERL
164-41-1968
MT
OCT 21 1988
FBI - PORTL.V.
b6 b7C
b6 ৳7C
DB Cooper-43685
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
b6 b7C
b6 b7C MI 164A-36
Wisconsin. MERLIN GENE COOPER was born in the Township of Campbell, located in LaCrosse County, Wisconsin.
b6 b7C
b6 ৳7C
DB Cooper-43685
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
b6 b7C
b6 b7C MI 164A-36
Wisconsin. MERLIN GENE COOPER was born in the Township of Campbell, located in LaCrosse County, Wisconsin.
LEADS
LOS ANGELES DIVISION
AT NORWALK, CALIFORNIA
If not already accomplished, conduct investigation to identify relatives or associates of COOPER at Norwalk, California:
MILWAUKEE DIVISION
AT COON VALLEY, WISCONSIN
Will attempt to obtain information on MERLIN COOPER'S family, noting that COOPER was allegedly very close to his mother, and may have confided information in her relative to hijacking if she can be located.
Attempt to identify other relatives or associates of COOPER, inasmuch as he may have been raised in that area.
Will review records at LaCrosse County Register of Deeds Office regarding charges of non-support which were filed against MERLIN GENE COOPER in an attempt to identify ex-spouse or other relatives.
Copy of referenced Portland teletype attached for assistance of lead agent at LaCrosse.
DB Cooper-43686
2*Memorandum
KO
To : SAC, MILWAUKEE (164A-36) (P)
Date
6/27/88
From : SA REUBEN M.
DB Cooper-43686
2*Memorandum
KO
To : SAC, MILWAUKEE (164A-36) (P)
Date
6/27/88
From : SA REUBEN M. HERRMANN
Subject : NORJAK; CRIME ABOARD AIRCRAFT-HIJACKING; 00: SEATTLE
Re Milwaukee airtel to the Bureau, dated 6/9/88.
On 6/16/88, MICHAEL RAASCH, Chief of Police, Coon Valley, Wisconsin, was contacted regarding any knowledge he has of the family of MERLIN GENE COOPER, a white male, born 7/8/34 and/or any of who might reside in Coon Valley at the present time, or who may have resided in the area at any point in the past. RAASCH advised that he has lived his entire life in Coon Valley, Wisconsin and he has never heard of any living in the area.
On 6/16/88. (protect identity), , Wisconsin, was
contacted. stated that MERLIN GENE COOPER was She explained that COOPER married . She stated that . 
· They were married at Decorah, Iowa. At the time they were married, COOPER was in the U.S. Air Force, and immediately after and MERLIN were married they went to Europe, where he was assigned duties as an air traffic controller.
Air Force, and immediately after and MERLIN were married they went to Europe, where he was assigned duties as an air traffic controller. Upon his release from military service in 1955 ( approximate) MERLIN and moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where MERLIN was employed as an air traffic controller at Truax Field. stated that COOPER was almost
continuously unfaithful to and in filed for a divorce.
A review of plaintiff and defendant file number in Circuit Court reveals that was
divorced from MERLIN on . At that time, MERLIN COOPER was residing at Truax Park, Number 6-M, Madison, Wisconsin.
2)- Milwaukee (164A-36)
C/A
K b6 b7C
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43687 MI 164A-36
The file reflects that MERLIN and born
៛
(supra) continued by stating that shortly after MERLIN and were divorced, MERLIN moved to the western part of the U.S., believed to be the State of Washington. She stated that she did not know what sort of work he did in that region, but she is quite sure that he was married two more times after his divorce from
She stated that she did not know what sort of work he did in that region, but she is quite sure that he was married two more times after his divorce from She , had no contact with MERLIN COOPER whatsoever after the divorce which was finalized in
b7C b7D further stated that and
stated that she did recall that MERLIN COOPER committed suicide while living in the western part of the U.S. She recalled that the year was approximately 1972. She stated that COOPER apparently had no friends or family in that part of the U.S. and COOPER'S mother, ORPHA COOPER, ordered his body to be returned to La Crosse, Wisconsin for burial.
stated that has remarried, and she has serious health problems, in that she is recovering from major surgery following the discovery of an in ·
She pointed out that has had a number of problems and for the last several years, has been raising LINDA. She stated that has had
and
.
She reiterated that neither has had any contact whatsoever with MERLIN since the divorce in -
stated that SILAS COOPER, MERLIN'S father, died in 1952.
She reiterated that neither has had any contact whatsoever with MERLIN since the divorce in -
stated that SILAS COOPER, MERLIN'S father, died in 1952.
She stated that ORPHA COOPER, MERLIN'S mother, is approximately 74 years of age and she resides in an apartment complex for elderly people in the community of Delavan, Wisconsin. stated that she does have some contact with ORPHA COOPER and she stated that she is quite certain that ORPHA has no knowledge whatsoever of MERLIN COOPER possibly being identical with the subject in captioned matter. She suggested that extreme tact be used in any approach to ORPHA COOPER inasmuch as she is not in very good health.
stated that ORPHA COOPER has
might , who lives near Baraboo, Wisconsin and who in that community. She
added that ORPHA COOPER has a daughter, but she does not know the daughter's name nor does she know where the lady lives.
b6 b7C
b6
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C ৳7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
2
DB Cooper-43688 MI 164A-36
b6 b7C b7D
recalled that MERLIN COOPER was commonly called "COOP" by family and friends while he was living in the La Crosse area.
b7D
2
DB Cooper-43688 MI 164A-36
b6 b7C b7D
recalled that MERLIN COOPER was commonly called "COOP" by family and friends while he was living in the La Crosse area. She stated that he was a rather handsome individual, about 6'0" of medium to heavy build. She stated that he had dark brown hair and she stated that he looked somewhat the movie actor, PAUL NEWMAN. She recalled that when she viewed MERLIN COOPER'S body prior to burial, he had lost a considerable amount of weight and his hairline had receded considerably. She added that she thought that the reason that MERLIN COOPER committed suicide was due to the fact that he had been diagnosed as having cancer, but she was not certain of this information.
Contact with ORPHA COOPER at Delavan, Wisconsin is left to the discretion of case agent in this matter. If ORPHA COOPER is contacted, it is suggested that extreme discretion be used in contact inasmuch as Mrs. COOPER is allegedly not in good health.
3*
DB Cooper-43689FD.36(Rev. 8-29-85)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype Facsimile Airtel
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
8-29-85)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype Facsimile Airtel
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLASEFTO UNCLAS Date 7/22/88
TO:
DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111)
FROM:
SAC, MILWAUKEE (164A-36) (MRA) (P)
NORJAK;
CRIME ABOARD AN AIRCRAFT-HIJACKING;
00: SEATTLE
Re Milwaukee airtel, 6/9/88, captioned as above.
On 6/16/88, MICHAEL RAASCH, Chief of Police, Coon Valley, b7C
Wisconsin, advised that he has lived his entire life in Coon
Valley, Wisconsin and has never heard of any family named
$
living in that area.
6 b6
On the same date, (protect identity), Wisconsin, b6 b7C ৳7D
advised that MERLIN GENE COOPER was She explained that COOPER married
on at Decorah, Iowa. At the time of the marriage COOPER was in the U.S. Air Force and immediately following the marriage and MERLIN went to Europe, where COOPER was assigned duties as an Air Traffic Controller. Upon his release from military service in 1955 (approximate), MERLIN and moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where MERLIN was employed as an
Upon his release from military service in 1955 (approximate), MERLIN and moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where MERLIN was employed as an Air Traffic Controller at Truax Field. COOPER was almost continuously unfaithful to and in filed for divorce.
A review of plaintiff and defendant file Circuit Court, reveals that was divorced from MERLIN on - At that time MERLIN COOPER was residing at Truax Park, #6-M, Madison, Wisconsin. The file reflects that MERLIN and : born · 2-Bureau (16 2-Seattle 12 Milwaukee
in b6 b7C
b6 b7C
Approved:
DB Cooper-43690
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 MI 164A-36
continued by stating that shortly after MERLIN b6 b7C b7D
and were divorced, MERLIN moved to the western part of the United States, possibly the State of Washington. She stated she did not know what sort of work he did in that region, but she is quite certain that he was married two more times after his divorce from She further stated that and
had no contact with MERLIN COOPER whatsoever after the divorce, which was finalized in
has now remarried and she has serious health
he was married two more times after his divorce from She further stated that and
had no contact with MERLIN COOPER whatsoever after the divorce, which was finalized in
has now remarried and she has serious health problems, inasmuch as she is recovering from maior surgery following the discovery of an in
According to
. has had a number of problems has been
and for the past several years
She stated that
and
in the past, -and she reiterated that neither has had any contact whatsoever with MERLIN since
b6
b7C b7D
stated that she did recall MERLIN COOPER committed suicide while living in the western part of the U.S .. She recalled that the year was approximately 1972, and that COOPER apparently had no friends or family in that part of the U.S., so COOPER'S mother, ORPHA COOPER, requested that his body be returned to LaCrosse, Wisconsin for burial.
៛
b6
b7C b7D
b6
b7C b7D
recalled that MERLIN COOPER was commonly called "COOP" by family and friends while he was living in the LaCrosse area. She stated he was a rather handsome individual, about 6'0" of medium to heavy build. She stated that he had dark brown hair and it was her opinion that he somewhat resembled movie actor Paul Newman.
She stated that he had dark brown hair and it was her opinion that he somewhat resembled movie actor Paul Newman. She recalled that when she viewed MERLIN COOPER'S body prior to burial, he had lost a considerable amount of weight and his hairline had receded considerably. She added that she thought the reason MERLIN committed suicide was due to the fact that he had been diagnosed as having cancer, but she was not certain of this information/
stated that SILAS COOPER, MERLIN'S father, died in 1952.
b6
b7C b7D
She advised that ORPHA COOPER, MERLIN'S mother, is approximately 74 years old and now yesides in an apartment complex for elderly people in the community of Delavan, Wisconsin. stated that she does have some contact with ORPHA COOPER, and she stated that she is quite certain that ORPHA has no knowledge whatsoever of MERLIN COOPER possibly being identical with the subject in captioned matter. She further suggested that extreme tack should be used in any approach to ORPHA COOPER, inasmuch as the matriarchal COOPER is not in good health.
She further suggested that extreme tack should be used in any approach to ORPHA COOPER, inasmuch as the matriarchal COOPER is not in good health. b6
According to ORPHA COOPER has
who lives near Baraboo, Wisconsin, and who might -
b7C b7D
DB Cooper-43691
2 MI 164A-36
in that community. She added that ORPHA might also have a daughter, but she does not know the daughter's name, nor does she know where she lives.
b6 b7C
LEAD
MILWAUKEE DIVISION
AT DELAVAN, WISCONSIN 1
b6 b7C
Will locate and interview ORPHA COOPER, noting that MERLIN COOPER was allegedly very close to his mother and may have confided information to her relative to the hijacking. Additionally, attempt to identify COOPER'S and determine her whereabouts for possible interview.
DUE TO THE DELICATE NATURE OF ORPHA COOPER'S HEALTH, UTMOST DISCRETION SHOULD BE UTILIZED IN THIS INTERVIEW. ៛
AT BARABOO, WISCONSIN
Will locate and interview of MERLIN COOPER, regarding any knowledge he might have of COOPER'S involvement in captioned hijacking.
៛
AT BARABOO, WISCONSIN
Will locate and interview of MERLIN COOPER, regarding any knowledge he might have of COOPER'S involvement in captioned hijacking. Additionally, will attempt to identify COOPER'S and determine her whereabouts for possible interview.
1
3*
DB Cooper-43692
b6 b7CFD-36 (Rev) 8-29-85)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype Facsimile
K 
AIRTEL
FBI
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLASEFTO- UNCLAS Date 8/16/88
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
#
Baraboo, Wisconsin, telephone number
1 advised that MERLIN GENE COOPER, who is now deceased. He advised that MERLIN COOPER was a pathological liar and a con man, and he would not be at all surprised if was determined to be identical to hijacker D.B. COOPER. He stated that in about 1971, when the D.B. COOPER story broke and artists' drawings of D.B. COOPER were printed in newspapers, he thought to himself that the artists' drawings bore a striking resemblance to MERLIN
COOPER were printed in newspapers, he thought to himself that the artists' drawings bore a striking resemblance to MERLIN COOPER.
He advised that was in the U.S. Air Force in Europe, and, upon his discharge from the Air Force, worked as an air traffic controller at Midway Field in
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
2 - Bureau (164-2111) - Seattle (164A-81 )
2 - Milwaukee (164A-36)
( 6
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
TO:
DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111)
FROM:
SAC, MILWAUKEE (164A-36) (MRA) (P)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK;
CRIME ABOARD AN AIRCRAFT-HIJACKING;
00: SEATTLE
Re Seattle airtel to Director, 7/28/88, captioned as above.
For information and evaluation of Seattle.
!
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43693MI 164A-36
Chicago, Illinois, and at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin. He stated that in about 1956 or 1957,
was arrested for writing bad checks and served some time in Waupun State Penitentiary, Waupun, Wisconsin. He stated that in approximately became divorced from his wife.
who now lives in the La Crosse; Wisconsin, area, and moved from Wisconsin, and he had no contact whatsoever with for approximately 10 years.
who now lives in the La Crosse; Wisconsin, area, and moved from Wisconsin, and he had no contact whatsoever with for approximately 10 years. He stated that, subsequent to again before he died, but about 1959, he never did see
he did periodically correspond with by letter and
telephone from about 1969 until death in 1973. He stated that called him two days before he died and said that he did not have much longer to live, but that did not elaborate on that statement.
He stated that he never heard use the name D.B. COOPER, and never mentioned the D. B. COOPER hijacking in his letters or telephone conversations. He further advised that, although was very knowledgeable about airplanes from his Air Force and air traffic controller experience, he has never known to have any knowledge of or experience in parachutes or sky diving.
which He stated that he is not aware of any leg injuries might have sustained in 1971 or prior to that time, but he believes that did sustain some arm injuries at about that time when was apparently injured in a truck accident in Oregon.
of any leg injuries might have sustained in 1971 or prior to that time, but he believes that did sustain some arm injuries at about that time when was apparently injured in a truck accident in Oregon. He further advised that was quite a good artist and painted a picture for him on one occasion, but he no longer has this painting and cannot remember if or how the painting was signed. He stated that ORPHA COOPER, may presently have this painting and probably has some other paintings by MERLIN COOPER, and he advised that ORPHA COOPER also keeps a diary and may have documented her contacts with MERLIN COOPER over the years.
He stated that the address of ORPHA COOPER, is 353 Tyrell Court, Delavan, Wisconsin, telephone number
414/728-2844, and he stated that he believes relatively good health. He further advised that the only but he does not have
is in
her address or telephone number. He stated that he believed would have the address and telephone number.
advised that he could furnish no further information in this matter.
2
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43694 MI 164A-36
Investigation is continuing in the Milwaukee
2
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43694 MI 164A-36
Investigation is continuing in the Milwaukee Division, and FBIHQ and Seattle will be kept advised of developments.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
3*
DB Cooper-43695DEAR Mom:"
2 EREmbere, 67 2605 State Street Salem, Oregon 97310
WELL: IT'S BEEN A Long TIME hasn't it? I
would guess it was As hard FOR you To WRITE THAT LAT LETTER AS IT is FOR ME TO WRITE This ONE. IT'S BEEN ABOUT EIGHT YEARS NOW SINCE I EQUE SEEN YOU. SEEMS MUCH LONGER, Im 33 NOW AND I'M SURE IVE LIVED THE LIFE OF MOST PEOPLE YOUR AGE. THATS why I CAN
UNDERSTAND THE UNHAPPINESS IN YOUR HATE.
FOR ONE REASON DIE ANOTHER IM SURE I HAVE BEEN A alod PART of The UNHAPPINESS You HAVE GEN. I WISH IT Could HAVE BEEN diffERNT, WHAT MANDEREd ??
Un UNTIL ABOUT SIX OR SEVEN MONTHS AGO I NEVER TOOK THE TIME TO WORRY OR WONDER why Things TURNED OUT AS THEY HAVE PERHAPS NOW I KNOW. I'M PRObibly POSER NOW TO THE MAN YOU WANTED ME to DE THAN EVER before. ZuFACT I CAN'T hardly believe how much my Thinking has changed.