Georgia Man Sentenced to Five Years for Hate-Motivated Assault on Postal Worker

MACON, Ga.—A Washington County man has been sentenced to 66 months in prison for making threats and racial slurs against a letter carrier and later assaulting him with a tractor. The U.S. District Court found that the crimes were motivated by hate.

William Charles Franklin, 37, of Tennille, was sentenced on August 27 by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell. He was found guilty of obstruction of the mails, assault upon a federal officer, aggravated assault upon a federal officer, and retaliating against a witness. Each of the last three counts included a hate crime enhancement.

According to court documents, on June 11, 2024, Franklin was recorded using racial slurs against a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier and threatening to run him over with his tractor. A family member corroborated that Franklin called and asked for a rope to “drag” the letter carrier away.

On December 3, 2024, the letter carrier’s vehicle was hit by a tractor with a harrow attached. Investigators linked the tractor to Franklin. A review of Franklin’s phone revealed that he had saved a picture of the letter carrier after the June confrontation, and additional evidence showed the crimes were motivated by the victim’s race.

“We will seek justice for victims of hate crimes,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Letter carriers, federal employees and all citizens have the right to live and work in peace and safety.”

Franklin was arrested on December 6, 2024. At the time of his arrest, he was carrying a loaded pistol, and two AR-15 style rifles were found in his truck. He must also pay over $5,100 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.