# Tennessee Wendy’s manager misconduct and arrest

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tennessee-wendys-manager-misconduct-and-arrest
> Updated: 2026-09-22T09:12:43.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

A manager at a Wendy’s restaurant in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was terminated following an incident where she allegedly restrained a neurodivergent employee using garbage bags tied to kitchen equipment. The manager, Michiko Burton, claimed the act was a ‘TikTok trend’ intended as a joke, though a witness who filmed the event disputed that any such video existed.

Following the incident, Burton was arrested and charged with simple assault and false imprisonment. While initial reports suggested the employee was not injured, the victim’s family has since retained legal counsel, stating the individual has been ‘significantly traumatized’ by the event. The case has involved investigations by the Special Victims Unit and Adult Protective Services.

## Claims

- Michiko Burton claimed the incident was part of a TikTok trend. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Michiko Burton was charged with simple assault and false imprisonment. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Burton allegedly used garbage bags to tie a neurodivergent employee's leg to a grill. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Witness Nicholus Murphy stated there was no TikTok video of the incident. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The incident was referred to Adult Protective Services and investigated by the Special Victims Unit. (single source)
- Attorney Isaac Kimes described the event as traumatic for the victim. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: Tennessee Wendy’s manager arrested for tying coworker to grill

A former Wendy’s manager in Tennessee, Michiko Burton, faces assault and false imprisonment charges after allegedly tying a neurodivergent coworker to a kitchen grill.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tennessee-wendys-manager-arrested-for-tying-coworker-to-grill

### 2026-09-12: Wendy’s manager fired for restraining neurodivergent employee

A Wendy’s manager in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was fired after allegedly restraining a neurodivergent employee to kitchen equipment with garbage bags to keep him out of her way.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wendys-manager-fired-for-restraining-neurodivergent-employee

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Cite as: Tennessee Wendy’s manager misconduct and arrest. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tennessee-wendys-manager-misconduct-and-arrest