Friday, September 27, 2024 

On Friday, September 27, 2024, Oakland County Prosecutor KAREN D. McDONALD charged Russell Fank Valleau in connection with the assault of a United States Postal carrier. The defendant was allegedly upset that he had received mail regarding presidential candidate Kamala Harris and allegedly said that he did not want that “black b**ch” in his mailbox. He then called the mail carrier a “black b**ch” and threatened the carrier. The mail carrier used pepper spray to stop the defendant. When police arrived, the defendant was found nearby. He was taken into custody where he remains at the Oakland County Jail.

“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,” stated Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald.

Valleau is a 61-year-old resident of Farmington Hills. He is charged with one count of Ethnic Intimidation and one count of Assault and Battery. Ethnic Intimidation is a felony punishable by up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $5,000. Assault and Battery is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or a fine up to $500.

Charges are accusations and individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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CONTACT: ocpomedia@oakgov.com