Burton faces simple-assault and false-imprisonment captions. A TikTok-trend claim is not a defense verdict.

Simple assault and false imprisonment captions are accusations. A TikTok-trend explanation to police is a defense account, not a verdict. Michiko Burton, 19, a former Wendy's manager at South Church Street in Murfreesboro, Tenn., faces those misdemeanor captions after police said she admitted tying a neurodivergent co-worker to a workstation. Bond of $2,000 and an Oct. 22 General Sessions date are process, not a finding.

Police described an Aug. 30 incident at the Wendy's on South Church Street, also called Highway 231 South and Shelbyville Highway, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. On Sept. 6, Burton told officers the episode was part of a TikTok trend and admitted she tied a neurodivergent worker to a workstation or grill, allegedly using garbage bags around a leg. A statement to police is not a guilty plea, and a trend claim is not proof a video exists. Co-worker Nicholus Murphy recorded video. Officers initially filed no charges after the employee said he was not upset and was not injured. Family members pushed to reopen the case.

Murfreesboro police referred the matter to Adult Protective Services. The Special Victims Unit investigated, and warrants were obtained. Detectives arrested her and served the warrant. WSMV reported the Thursday charging. Bond was $2,000, and she was booked into the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. A General Sessions Court date is Oct. 22. The captions are misdemeanors, reported as carrying up to a year. She was fired from Wendy's. The franchisee, Wendy's of Bowling Green, said the behavior was inconsistent with its values and that appropriate action was taken. An area manager called the actions unacceptable. A firing and a company statement are employment steps. They are not a conviction. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.