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UNKNOWN SUBJECTS; CAESAR CHAVEZ - VICTIM States Assistant Attorney General in Charge of the Civil Rights ... Division to request an investigation along the lines of previous FBI Civil Rights investigations of attempts to kill and the killing of persons prominent in Civil Rights activities. The feeling of the group is that local authorities in California are too closely tied politically to the Delano farmers to conduct a thorough investigation of the alleged plot to kill Chavez. They feel that Chavez has become an international spokesman for minority groups and a before the fact investigation would be better than an after the fact attempt to identify the murderers. ed wt ite Schlossberg feels that the FHI is the only agency capable of handling this investigation and that jurisdiction is available under Title 18, United States Code, Section 241. ---He also indicated that ATFD is in possession of evidence which, if not handled properly, would be detrimental to this case. Cohen was advised in December, 1971, by ATFD that their case is closed in this matter and the group feels this matter was mishandled by ATFD and the local authorities. Cohen furnished the attached copies of an ATFD . voucher and check showing a $500 payment to Shears for "informa- tion and evidence necessary to identity Richard Pedigo and those persons who are providing Pedigo the funds to arrange the arson and murder of Caesar Chavez." states that approximately was 1n the icebox at Pedigo' s residence at the time of the search and arrest, but Pedigo's mother claimed the money was hers and she was allowed to keep it. The group feels that this was probably some of the contract money and has been returned to the Nelano farmers. oe 4 ear f) Cohen also made available a copy of the official - transcript of a preliminary hearing on September 14, 1971, in Pedigo's narcotics case in which it is revealed that an ATFD nec Rey Ree 2 bdo Pa wale Sabie Lee’, PORTE, Se Oe