A 62-year-old Farmington Hills, Michigan man has been convicted after authorities say he pulled a knife on a mail carrier and directed racial slurs over political ads featuring Kamala Harris.
The incident occurred last October when Russell Frank Valleau confronted the United States Postal Service worker outside his home on Rockwell Street near Grand River Avenue and Middlebelt Road.
According to court records, Valleau was intoxicated and became enraged upon receiving the political ads. Witnesses say he began shouting racist and derogatory remarks about Harris and the mail carrier, declaring he didn’t want that “Black b—-” in his mailbox before directing the slur at the postal worker herself.
Valleau then allegedly pulled a knife and lunged at the victim, prompting her to defend herself with pepper spray. Authorities arrested Valleau, who continued using profane and racist language even while in police custody.
“In this highly charged political moment, everyone has a right to their political opinion and vote. Whatever our political beliefs, no one should be assaulted or threatened because of their race, or for doing their job. Hate crimes impact all of us, and we will vigorously pursue all such cases,” said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald.
Following a three-day jury trial, Valleau was convicted of assaulting a federal employee. The jury also found that he intentionally targeted the letter carrier based on her race. However, he was acquitted of using a dangerous weapon in the assault. The jury deliberated for two hours before reaching a verdict.
Valleau now faces up to twelve months in prison.
