19-year-old Wendy’s manager who allegedly tied neurodivergent employee to grill arrested on multiple charges

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) - Murfreesboro Police Department Criminal Investigations Division detectives arrested a former Wendy’s restaurant manager who admitted to tying a neurodivergent employee to a grill last month.

Detectives served a warrant Thursday, Sept. 19, charging Michiko Burton, 19, with simple assault, a misdemeanor, and false imprisonment.

Investigation details

A WSMV4 Investigation first revealed how the neurodivergent employee, who we are not naming, was tied with garbage bags to a grill. A worker who documented it on video told us that Burton said she didn’t have time to babysit the employee before tying him.

According to police, on Sept. 6, Murfreesboro police officers spoke with Burton, who said the incident was part of a TikTok trend. Burton admitted she tied a worker, who is neurodivergent, to a workstation at the Wendy’s located on South Church Street (Highway 231 South/Shelbyville Highway) on Aug. 30.

The incident was referred to Adult Protective Services and investigated by detectives with the Special Victims Unit. The investigation led to warrants being obtained for Burton’s arrest.

“This has been an awful traumatic event,” said Isaac Kimes, attorney for the family of the neurodivergent employee. “The young man in the video seen now by millions is not doing well.”

Burton was booked into the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center on a $2,000 bond. A court date is set for Oct. 22 in General Sessions Court.

“The family thinks, and I think anyone would think, that it’s absolutely inappropriate, unsafe, and dehumanizing to tie an employee to a grill. Dave Thomas wouldn’t approve of changing an employee to a grill,” Kimes said.

Kimes said the family is currently considering whether or not to take legal action.

Prior reporting

The employee’s family had asked Murfreesboro police to reopen an investigation after the video showed the worker tied to kitchen equipment. Nicholus Murphy, a co-worker, recorded the video.

“I actually felt sad for him,” Murphy said. “I actually wanted to cry.”

Murphy said Burton told workers she needed the employee to “stay put” so she could do other work in the back of the restaurant.

Burton told police the incident was a TikTok trend and intended as a joke, according to the report. Murphy and the employee’s family disputed that explanation.

“If there was a TikTok trend, then where’s the TikTok?” Murphy said.

After our story aired, Murfreesboro police interviewed the employee, who told officers he was not upset and was not injured. No charges were filed at that time.

The family of the neurodivergent employee then asked Murfreesboro police to reopen their investigation.

In a recorded meeting with staff, an area manager called the incident “unacceptable” and said Burton was no longer a manager at the restaurant. The Wendy’s general manager also confirmed to WSMV4 Investigates that a manager was fired because of the incident.

WSMV4 Investigates attempted to contact Burton by phone and social media but did not receive a response.

In a statement, Wendy’s of Bowling Green, the franchisee that owns and operates the restaurant, said:

“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.”