A Farmington Hills man has been found guilty of assaulting a United States Postal Worker in an incident described as racially motivated. Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced the conviction of Russell Valleau, aged 62, following a three-day jury trial presided over by United States District Judge Nancy G. Edmunds.
The announcement was made alongside Rodney Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the U.S Postal Inspection Service's Detroit Division. The jury determined that Valleau intentionally targeted the letter carrier due to her race or color. They reached their verdict after approximately two hours of deliberation. Valleau was convicted for assaulting a federal employee but acquitted on charges involving the use of a dangerous weapon.
During the trial, evidence showed that Valleau became aggressive after receiving mail intended for a black person in his mailbox. He approached the postal truck's passenger window and directed racially charged insults at the letter carrier, who is also black. Despite her attempts to defuse the situation by instructing him to leave unwanted mail in his mailbox, Valleau continued with offensive language and attempted to attack her through the open window. The letter carrier used mace issued by USPS to defend herself and drove away from the scene.
After being apprehended, Valleau persisted with offensive language while in police custody, referring to his letter carrier using racial slurs. When officers admonished him for his language, he responded with further derogatory remarks.
Acting U.S. Attorney Beck commented on the case: “A letter carrier was simply trying to do her job, and this defendant physically attacked her while using racist and offensive language. This type of behavior has no place in our community and will not be tolerated.”
Rodney Hopkins emphasized their commitment to protecting postal employees: “As the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Postal Service, the Postal Inspection Service prioritizes the safety and security of postal employees above all else,” adding that those who threaten or harm USPS workers will face arrest and prosecution.
Valleau is scheduled for sentencing on May 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM and could face up to twelve months in prison.
The investigation involved both the United States Postal Inspection Service and Farmington Hills Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Carlson and Darrin Crawford handling prosecution duties.