A former Wendy’s manager in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, has been arrested and charged after admitting she tied a neurodivergent employee to a grill workstation last month — an incident she claimed was part of a TikTok trend, but which coworkers and the employee’s family have disputed.
The Arrest
Murfreesboro Police Department detectives served a misdemeanor warrant on September 17, charging 19-year-old Michiko Burton with simple assault and false imprisonment. She was booked into the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center on a $2,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on October 22, before Judge Ben Hall McFarlin III at the Rutherford County Judicial Center.
According to police, Burton spoke with officers on September 6 and admitted to tying the employee — who is neurodivergent and whose name is being withheld — to a workstation at the Wendy’s location on South Church Street on August 30. She told police she believed the incident was part of a TikTok trend.
The case was referred to Adult Protective Services and investigated by detectives with the department’s Special Victims Unit, leading to the warrants for Burton’s arrest.
What Happened
A coworker, Nicholus Murphy, recorded video of the employee tied with garbage bags to the grill and later spoke publicly about what he witnessed. According to Murphy, Burton told staff she needed the employee to “stay put” so she could handle other tasks in the back of the restaurant, rather than continue supervising him.
“I actually felt sad for him,” Murphy said. “I actually wanted to cry.”
Murphy has pushed back directly on Burton’s explanation that the incident was tied to a viral trend. “If there was a TikTok trend, then where’s the TikTok?” he said.
A Case That Was Initially Closed, Then Reopened
After the video first drew media attention, Murfreesboro police interviewed the employee, who told officers he was not upset and had not been injured. No charges were filed at that time. It was only after the employee’s family asked police to reopen the investigation that detectives pursued the case further, ultimately resulting in Burton’s arrest.
The employee’s family has retained attorney Isaac Kimes, who described the impact of the incident and the video’s spread online. “This has been an awful traumatic event,” Kimes said. “The young man in the video seen now by millions is not doing well.”
Kimes was direct in his assessment of what happened. “The family thinks, and I think anyone would think, that it’s absolutely inappropriate, unsafe, and dehumanizing to tie an employee to a grill,” he said. “Dave Thomas wouldn’t approve of tying an employee to a grill.” Kimes added that the family is currently weighing whether to pursue legal action.
Wendy’s Response
Burton is no longer employed at the restaurant. In a recorded meeting with staff, an area manager called the incident “unacceptable,” and the location’s general manager confirmed she was terminated as a result. Attempts to reach Burton by phone and social media for comment were unsuccessful.
Wendy’s of Bowling Green, the franchisee that owns and operates the location, issued the following statement:
“The safety and well-being of our employees is our top priority. This behavior is inconsistent with our values and the standards we expect in our restaurants. Upon learning of the situation, it was promptly investigated and appropriate action was taken. We remain committed to maintaining a respectful workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect.”
What “Neurodivergent” Means
The term neurodivergent is a nonmedical descriptor used for people whose brains function differently from what’s considered typical, encompassing conditions such as learning disabilities alongside recognized strengths — including, in some cases, stronger memory, an ability to visualize three-dimensional objects, or facility with complex calculations, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Case Status
Burton’s case is set for a General Sessions Court docket at 8:30 a.m. on October 22. As of this report, no additional charges have been announced, and it remains unclear whether the employee’s family will pursue civil action separately from the criminal case.
