William Charles Franklin, 36, of Tennille, Georgia, has been found guilty of multiple federal charges, including a hate crime enhancement, after threatening and attacking a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier.
Following a two-day trial, Franklin was convicted on March 11th of obstruction of the mails, assault upon a federal officer, aggravated assault upon a federal officer, and retaliating against a witness. On March 12th, he was also found guilty of a hate crime enhancement, which will increase his potential sentence.
According to court documents and trial evidence, Franklin’s actions stemmed from racial animus towards the letter carrier. In June 2024, Franklin confronted the letter carrier, using racial slurs and making threats, including threatening to punch him, run him over with a tractor, and drag him with a rope. The confrontation was partially recorded by the letter carrier.
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The situation escalated in December 2024 when Franklin intentionally struck the letter carrier’s vehicle with his tractor in a hit-and-run incident. The tractor, matching the description provided by the letter carrier, was later found in a nearby field, registered to Franklin.
Investigators found evidence on Franklin’s phone, including a saved picture of the letter carrier, which supported the claim that the crimes were motivated by race. Franklin was arrested on December 6th, and at the time of his arrest, was found to be in possession of two AR-15 style rifles and a loaded pistol.
“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. “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.”
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“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 behavior motivated by racial animus,” said Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran. “I hope this conviction and sentence sends a clear message that those who commit such crimes will be held accountable and such behavior will not be tolerated.”
Franklin faces a maximum sentence of six months in prison and a $100,000 fine for obstruction of the mails, and a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the remaining charges. U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell will determine his sentencing date.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the United States Marshals Service.
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