Former restaurant manager charged with false imprisonment, simple assault in alleged TikTok prank

Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD) Criminal Investigations Division (CID) detectives arrested a former Wendy's restaurant manager for allegedly tying an employee to a grill last month.

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

On September 6, MPD officers spoke with Burton who claimed the incident was part of a TikTok trend, and 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.

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.