A Georgia man has been found guilty of a hate crime and other charges following a series of incidents involving threats and racial slurs against a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier. William Charles Franklin, 36, from Tennille, Georgia, was convicted on all counts in the indictment: obstruction of the mails, assault upon a federal officer, aggravated assault upon a federal officer, and retaliating against a witness. The verdict came after a two-day trial.
The charges stemmed from an incident where Franklin escalated his threats by hitting the letter carrier's vehicle with his tractor six months after making initial threats. On March 12, Franklin received a hate crime enhancement for three of the counts he faced, increasing potential penalties.
Franklin could face up to six months in prison and a $100,000 fine for obstructing the mails. For the remaining charges related to assault and retaliation against a witness, he faces up to 20 years in prison and fines totaling $250,000. U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell will set a sentencing date.
Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker commented on the case: "Violent, hate-filled attacks against federal employees and residents of the Middle District of Georgia will not be tolerated." She thanked law enforcement agencies for their role in ensuring justice.
Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran expressed disappointment over criminal behavior motivated by racial animus but emphasized accountability: "I hope this conviction and sentence sends a clear message that those who commit such crimes will be held accountable."
Jessica L. Wagner from the United States Postal Inspection Service highlighted their commitment to postal employee safety: "The partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office has been mutually beneficial to quickly and safely resolve this incident."
The investigation began after Franklin's confrontational behavior towards the letter carrier was reported on June 11. Recorded evidence showed Franklin using racial slurs and making violent threats during an argument about moving vehicles.
Later that year, on December 3rd, Franklin used his tractor in an alleged hit-and-run against the letter carrier's vehicle. The tractor was later found with damage consistent with eyewitness accounts.
Authorities executed warrants leading to Franklin's arrest on December 6th; firearms were discovered in his possession at that time.
This case involved multiple law enforcement agencies including USPIS, Washington County Sheriff's Office, GBI, and U.S. Marshals Service under prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sonja Profit and Elizabeth Howard.