A Wendy’s manager in Murfreesboro, Tenn., was charged with misdemeanor simple assault and false imprisonment after police say she tied a neurodivergent co-worker to a grill on Aug. 30. The manager, Michiko Burton, allegedly told police the act was "part of a TikTok trend," but a co-worker who recorded the incident disputes that claim. Detectives from MPD’s Special Victims Unit and Adult Protective Services investigated, leading to arrest warrants; Burton posted a $2,000 bond and faces a court date on Oct. 22. Wendy’s says it investigated and took appropriate action and emphasized employee safety.
19-Year-Old Wendy’s Manager Charged After Allegedly Tying Neurodivergent Coworker to Grill — She Said It Was a TikTok Trend
Michiko BurtonCredit: Murfreesboro TN Police Department/Facebook
A 19-year-old manager at a Wendy’s restaurant in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, has been charged with misdemeanor counts of simple assault and false imprisonment after police say she tied a neurodivergent co-worker to a grill during an Aug. 30 incident.
Michiko Burton was formally charged on Sept. 17, the Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD) said in a press release published Sept. 18. Authorities say Burton told investigators during a Sept. 6 interview that the episode was "part of a TikTok trend" and admitted to tying the employee to the grill at the Wendy’s on South Church Street.
Detectives from MPD’s Special Victims Unit led the probe after the case was referred to Adult Protective Services. That investigation produced arrest warrants for Burton, who was booked into the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center on a $2,000 bond; court records indicate she has since posted bond. Her next scheduled appearance in General Sessions Court is Oct. 22.
A fellow Wendy’s employee, Nicholus Murphy, told local station WKRN that he recorded the video of the incident and turned the footage over to police as evidence. Murphy disputed Burton’s claim that the behavior was linked to a TikTok challenge.
"No, it's not true. It is my video. So, I mean, it's my video and there was no TikTok video at all," Murphy said.
An attorney representing the family of the neurodivergent employee, Isaac Kimes, described the aftermath as deeply damaging. Kimes told WSMV the young man seen in the widely circulated video has suffered significant trauma and "is not doing well." Authorities say the video has been viewed millions of times.
"This has been an awful traumatic event," Kimes said.
Wendy’s issued a statement to local media emphasizing that employee safety is a top priority and that the alleged conduct is inconsistent with company values. The statement said the company promptly investigated the incident and "took appropriate action," and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect.
"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," a Wendy’s spokesperson said.
The MPD, Wendy’s and the family’s attorney were contacted for comment as the investigation and legal process continue.
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