UPDATE: Tennille man sentenced to 5+ years in federal prison for hate crime against postal worker

William Charles Franklin was sentenced to 66 months in prison, three years supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution, prosecutors said.

UPDATE (8/27/25):  A Tennille man found guilty earlier this year of committing a hate crime against a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier has been sentenced to serve more than five years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell sentenced 37-year-old William Charles Franklin on Wednesday to 66 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. Franklin must also pay $5,101.74 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.

“We will seek justice for victims of hate crimes,” U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes said. “Letter carriers, federal employees and all citizens have the right to live and work in peace and safety. I commend the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service for helping us hold the defendant accountable for assaulting a postal employee.”

Sheriff Joel Cochran said he is “disappointed” when he learns of “criminal behavior motivated by racial animus.”

“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,” he said.

ORIGINAL STORY (3/13/25):

TENNILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Tennille man was found guilty of a 2024 hate crime against a letter carrier, according to the United States Attorney’s Office Middle District of Georgia.

On March 11, 2025, 36-year-old William Charles Franklin was found guilty for obstruction of the mails, assault upon a federal officer, aggravated assault upon a federal officer and retaliating against a witness, following a two-day trial.

On March 12, 2025, Franklin was found guilty of a hate crime enhancement for assault upon a federal officer, aggravated assault upon a federal officer and retaliating against a witness, an increased penalty. Franklin faces a maximum sentence of six months in prison and a $100,000 fine for obstruction of the mails and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. In addition, Franklin faces a $250,000 fine for assault upon a federal officer, aggravated assault upon a federal officer and retaliating against a witness.

According to the news release, the court will determine a sentencing date.

Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran released the following statement:

“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. 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.”

On June 11, 2024, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) received a complaint and began an investigation into threats and obstruction made by Franklin to a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier serving Washington County.

The news release states that under the advice of the supervisor, the letter carrier recorded the end of a confrontation between him and Franklin, arguing about moving the letter carrier’s vehicle. Franklin used racial slurs against the letter carrier and stated that his free speech was protected. The letter carrier was recorded stating that if he was off duty, such statements and threats would lead to a fight. Franklin responded that they could “square up” right then. The letter carrier said no because he would lose his job.

Franklin became agitated and aggressive with the letter carrier and issued more salacious racist slurs about him and the community where he lives. The letter carrier told investigators that Franklin threatened to punch his face, run him over with Franklin’s tractor and call someone else to come to the location to bring a rope so that Franklin could “drag” him away. A family member confirmed that Franklin called to request a rope.

On December 3, 2024, the news release states that the letter carrier’s vehicle was involved in a hit-and-run with a green tractor in Washington County. The letter carrier saw the tractor come towards the USPS vehicle, and he pulled over to allow the tractor to pass. The tractor hit the letter carrier’s vehicle, destroyed a stop sign and fled the scene. An investigation led to the discovery of the tractor matching the description in a nearby field, and the engine was still warm with fresh damage. The tractor was registered to Franklin.

The release states that two witnesses reported seeing a vehicle registered to Franklin’s wife come to the area immediately following the incident at a high rate of speed. Warrants for Franklin’s arrest and the seizure of his and his wife’s cell phones were issued on December 5, 2024.

Franklin’s phone revealed a picture of the letter carrier from the incident in June 11, 2024. Additional evidence supported that Franklin’s crimes were motivated, at least in part, by the race and color of the letter carrier.

On December 6, 2024, Franklin was taken into custody. While Franklin was being arrested, agents found two AR-15 style rifles inside his truck and Franklin was carrying a loaded pistol.

Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker released the following statement:

“Violent, hate-filled attacks against federal employees and residents of the Middle District of Georgia will not be tolerated. 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 mail carrier.”

Jessica L. Wagner, Acting Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Atlanta Division released the following statement:

“The safety and security of postal employees is core to the mission of the Postal Inspection Service. The partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office has been mutually beneficial to quickly and safely resolve this incident, which resulted in bringing this individual in this case to justice.”