A Washington County, Georgia, man who made threats and racial slurs against a letter carrier and then six months later escalated his threats when he hit the letter carrier’s vehicle with his tractor was found guilty of aggravated assault and other charges.
William Charles Franklin, 36, of Tennille, Georgia, was found guilty on all counts charged against him in the indictment: obstruction of the mails, assault upon a federal officer, aggravated assault upon a federal officer and retaliating against a witness on March 11, following a two-day trial.
In addition, on March 12, Franklin was found guilty of a hate crime enhancement for Counts 2-4, an increased penalty.
Franklin faces a maximum sentence of six months in prison and a $100,000 fine for count one, a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine for counts two to four.
U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell is presiding over this case.
The court will determine a sentencing date. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Violent, hate-filled attacks against federal employees and residents of the Middle District of Georgia will not be tolerated,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker.
Booker added, “I want to thank the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service for their dedication to ensuring justice and in helping us hold the defendant accountable for harming a letter carrier.”
“As Washington County Sheriff, I am proud that the diverse citizenry of Washington County works together for the good of our community. I am disappointed when I learn of criminal behaviour motivated by racial animus,” said Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran.
Cochran added, “I hope this conviction and sentence sends a clear message that those who commit such crimes will be held accountable and such behaviour will not be tolerated.”
According to court documents, evidence and statements referenced in court, the United States Postal Inspection Service received a complaint on June 11, 2024, and began an investigation into threats and obstruction made by Franklin to a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier serving the Washington County, Georgia, area.
Under the advice of the supervisor, the letter carrier recorded the end of a confrontation between him and Franklin, arguing about moving the letter carrier’s vehicle. Franklin was recorded using racial slurs against the letter carrier and stated that his free speech was protected. The letter carrier was recorded stating that if he was off duty, such statements and threats would lead to a fight.
Franklin responded that they could “square up” right then. The letter carrier said no because he would lose his job. Franklin can be heard getting agitated and aggressive with the letter carrier and issuing more salacious racist slurs about him and the community where he lives.
The letter carrier told investigators that Franklin threatened to punch his face, run him over with Franklin’s tractor and call someone else to come to the location to bring a rope so that Franklin could “drag” him away. A family member corroborated that Franklin called to request a rope.
On December 3, 2024, the letter carrier’s vehicle was involved in a hit-and-run with a green tractor in Washington County. The letter carrier observed the tractor come towards the USPS vehicle, and he pulled over to allow the tractor to pass.
The tractor hit the letter carrier’s vehicle, destroyed a stop sign and fled the scene. Soon afterwards, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the USPIS discovered a tractor matching the description in a nearby field, its engine still warm with fresh damage.
The tractor was registered to Franklin. In addition, two witnesses reported seeing a vehicle registered to Franklin’s wife come to the area immediately following the incident at a high rate of speed. Warrants for Franklin’s arrest and the seizure of his and his wife’s cell phones were issued on December 5.
After reviewing Franklin’s phone, agents found where Franklin had saved the letter carrier’s picture following the incident on June 11. They found additional evidence that supported the finding that Franklin’s crimes were motivated, at least in part, by the race and colour of the letter carrier.
Franklin was taken into custody on December 6. At his arrest, agents found two AR-15-styled rifles inside his truck, and Franklin was carrying a loaded pistol.
