The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A 19-year-old Wendy’s manager in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was accused of tying a neurodivergent worker to a grill at the restaurant and restraining him with trash bags.
According to police, the incident happened on August 30 at the fast food restaurant. Another worker saw what was happening and recorded part of it, and he later spoke publicly about what he had witnessed. He said the manager told him she needed the alleged victim to remain where he was while she worked in the back of the restaurant.
Police interviewed the manager on September 6, and she allegedly told them the incident was part of a TikTok trend. The coworker who recorded the video disputed that explanation and said he had not seen anything online supporting the manager’s claim of it being a trend.
The alleged victim was also interviewed by police. He told officers he had not been injured and was not upset about what happened. The case was referred to Adult Protective Services, and there were no charges filed at that point.
The investigation later moved to detectives with the Special Victims Unit after the alleged victim’s family requested another review of the case. Detectives obtained a warrant, and the manager was arrested on September 17. She was charged with simple assault and false imprisonment.
The woman was booked into the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center and released after posting a $2,000 bond. Wendy’s also fired her from the management position.
An attorney for the alleged victim’s family said they were considering legal action. The attorney said the young man had been through a traumatic experience and was not doing well. The footage of the incident spread beyond the restaurant and was viewed by millions.
If you or someone you love is suspected of an assault or battery offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.