A Georgia man was convicted by a federal jury of committing a hate crime attack against a postal carrier by using racial slurs and later damaging the carrier’s vehicle with his tractor, as announced by the Justice Department. Following a two-day trial, William Charles Franklin was found guilty of a racist attack on a United States Postal Service employee in 2024. Franklin’s threatening behavior towards the employee escalated in December when he damaged the carrier’s vehicle. FBI agents discovered photos of the carrier on Franklin’s phone, along with two AR-15 style rifles, during the execution of search and arrest warrants. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, C. Shanelle Booker, emphasized that violent and hate-filled attacks against federal employees and residents in the region will not be tolerated.
The Justice Department became aware of Franklin’s actions towards the carrier after receiving a complaint from the United States Postal Inspection Service regarding possible threats and obstruction by Franklin against the employee. The carrier, whose race was not disclosed by either the Justice Department or USPIS, shared a recording of a confrontation with Franklin on June 11, 2024, during which racial slurs were used. Despite the carrier’s refusal to engage in a physical altercation out of fear of losing his job, Franklin’s aggression towards the employee increased, leading to further racist remarks and threats. Franklin even mentioned getting a rope to drag the carrier away, as confirmed by an unnamed family member of Franklin’s.
Franklin’s tirade culminated on December 3 when he struck the carrier’s vehicle with his tractor. Witnesses reported the incident, and law enforcement executed search and arrest warrants, resulting in the discovery of firearms in Franklin’s possession and incriminating evidence linking the crimes to racial motivations. Franklin was found guilty by the jury on charges including obstructing the mail, assaulting federal officers, and retaliating against a witness, with hate crime enhancements applied to certain charges.
A Georgia man has been found guilty of racially motivated assault on a USPS carrier. He is set to be sentenced on June 5, facing potential jail time for obstructing mail and other related crimes. According to Jessica L. Wagner, Acting Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service in Atlanta, ensuring the safety of postal employees is a top priority for the service.
This incident is part of a concerning trend of attacks on postal workers. Recent data shows a significant increase in arrests for carrier robberies, with over 1,200 arrests made nationwide since May 2023. In a separate case, a Michigan man was convicted of assaulting a postal worker based on her race, demonstrating the severity of the issue.
In a tragic event in January, a woman was arrested for fatally stabbing a postal employee in Harlem during a dispute at a deli. These incidents highlight the importance of protecting postal workers and ensuring their safety while on duty.
For more information, contact reporter Krystal Nurse at knurse@USATODAY.com and follow her on social media for updates.
