A man from Washington County, Georgia, has been found guilty of several charges, including aggravated assault and hate crime enhancements, following a series of threats and actions against a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier. William Charles Franklin, 36, from Tennille, Georgia, was convicted on all counts after a two-day trial. The charges include obstruction of the mails, assault upon a federal officer, aggravated assault upon a federal officer, and retaliating against a witness.
Franklin's conviction includes a hate crime enhancement for three of the counts, which could lead to significant penalties. He faces up to six months in prison and a $100,000 fine for obstructing the mails and up to 20 years in prison with a $250,000 fine for the other charges. U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell is overseeing the case and will set a sentencing date.
Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker emphasized that "violent, hate-filled attacks against federal employees" are not acceptable in the Middle District of Georgia. She expressed gratitude to local law enforcement agencies for their role in ensuring justice.
Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran expressed disappointment over criminal acts driven by racial animus but hopes that Franklin's conviction sends a strong message about accountability for such behavior.
Jessica L. Wagner from the United States Postal Inspection Service highlighted the collaboration between her agency and local authorities as crucial in resolving this incident swiftly and safely.
The case began when Franklin made racially charged threats against the letter carrier on June 11, 2024. A confrontation ensued when Franklin objected to moving his vehicle for mail delivery access. This incident escalated into an attack on December 3 when Franklin allegedly used his tractor to hit the letter carrier's vehicle before fleeing.
Authorities later linked evidence from both incidents to Franklin through eyewitness accounts and forensic analysis of his phone records. Following his arrest on December 6, agents discovered firearms in his possession.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Washington County Sheriff's Office, GBI, and United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sonja Profit and Elizabeth Howard are handling prosecution efforts.
