Georgia Man Convicted of Hate Crime After Attacking Postal Worker.
A federal jury convicted a Georgia man, William Charles Franklin, of committing a hate crime against a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee. Franklin's attack on the postal worker, which included verbal racial slurs and vehicle damage, led to his conviction after a two-day trial in 2024.
The Justice Department announced the verdict, highlighting the severity of the crime and its impact on federal employees.
Verbal Threats and Racial Slurs Escalate to Violence
Franklin's actions began in June 2024 when he verbally harassed the postal worker using racial slurs. In a confrontation, Franklin argued with the carrier about moving the USPS vehicle.
He defended his actions, claiming his free speech rights were protected, while the postal worker declined to engage in physical altercations out of concern for losing his job. Franklin's threats escalated from verbal abuse to physical violence, with him threatening to punch the carrier, run him over with his tractor, and use a rope to drag the postal worker away.
Escalating Threats: Tractor Attack on Postal Vehicle
The confrontation continued to escalate, culminating in an attack on December 3, 2024. Franklin drove his green tractor into the postal carrier’s vehicle, causing damage and fleeing the scene.
The incident left behind a destroyed stop sign and led to the postal worker reporting the attack to the authorities. Witnesses also reported seeing a car, registered to Franklin’s wife, speeding towards the scene following the tractor attack. Investigators later discovered that the tractor used in the attack was registered to Franklin.
Search and Arrest: Evidence of Racial Motive and Weapons Found
Following the tractor incident, law enforcement officials executed search and arrest warrants at Franklin's residence. In the investigation, they found two AR-15 style rifles, a loaded pistol, and photos of the postal worker on Franklin's phone.
The evidence pointed to racial motivations behind the attacks on the USPS employee, leading to charges of hate crime enhancements. Franklin was found guilty of obstructing mail, assaulting a federal officer, and retaliating against a witness.
Franklin Faces Up to 20 Years in Prison for Hate Crime
Franklin’s conviction includes charges of aggravated assault against a federal officer and retaliating against a witness, both carrying hate crime enhancements. Franklin faces up to 20 years in prison for these offenses, with a sentencing date set for June 5, 2024.
His actions highlight the growing issue of violence against federal employees, particularly postal workers. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has ramped up efforts to protect its workers, with a marked increase in arrests for carrier robberies and assaults in recent years.
The Growing Issue of Violence Against Postal Workers
The case against Franklin sheds light on a troubling trend of violence against postal workers across the United States. In March 2024, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service reported a 73% increase in arrests for robberies of letter carriers compared to the previous year.
As these numbers rise, the need for stronger protection and action against offenders becomes more evident. The federal government and law enforcement agencies continue to prioritize the safety of postal employees, reinforcing the message that such crimes will not be tolerated.
In related news, another case in Michigan highlights the ongoing issue of race-based assaults on postal workers. A Michigan man, Russell Valleau, was found guilty of assaulting a postal worker because of her race. This incident, along with the Franklin case, underscores the urgency of addressing hate crimes in the workplace and protecting federal employees who are often vulnerable to such attacks.
