A teenage employee of a McDonald's franchise in Oklahoma is suing the restaurant chain after she was allegedly subjected to relentless harassment by a coworker who had previously been charged with murder. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, claims that management failed to intervene despite numerous complaints.
Background of the Case
Chakota P. Nelson, who was 16 at the time, began working at the McDonald's in Purcell, Oklahoma, in August 2022. She soon found herself working alongside Roy Curtis Zornes II, a 36-year-old man who had been released from state custody after being declared mentally unfit to stand trial for the 2010 murder of his former foster mother. According to court records, Zornes was charged with first-degree murder, burglary, arson, and rape after Jane Bullard, 60, was found beaten and burned in her home.
Allegations of Harassment
Nelson's attorney, David Keesling, stated that the harassment began almost immediately. Zornes allegedly gave her unsolicited back and shoulder rubs, grabbed her neck, and made inappropriate comments. Nelson reported the incidents to her supervisors, who said they would address the issue but allegedly took no action. The harassment escalated over months, culminating in a physical confrontation near the restaurant's frappé machine in April 2023, where Zornes grabbed Nelson's wrist and left a bruise.
Despite Nelson's repeated complaints, management failed to intervene effectively. According to the lawsuit, a manager even chastised Nelson's cousin for pushing Zornes away when he approached Nelson during her off-duty hours. The constant harassment forced Nelson to resign, which the lawsuit describes as a constructive discharge.
Legal Proceedings
Nelson filed a hostile workplace charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in May 2023. In June 2025, the EEOC found probable cause that her rights had been violated, and she received a Right to Sue letter in March 2026. The lawsuit seeks exemplary and punitive damages, as well as attorneys' fees and court costs.
Zornes was eventually fired from the McDonald's, according to Keesling. The franchisee, MRG Restaurants Inc., has been served with the lawsuit and has until July 31 to respond. Neither MRG Restaurants nor McDonald's corporate has commented on the allegations.
Broader Implications
While hiring ex-offenders can be beneficial, Keesling emphasized that employers have a duty to protect their employees, especially minors. He stated, "The most shocking aspect is not just Zornes's history, but that a 16-year-old girl repeatedly complained about harassment, and management did little or nothing to stop it."
The case highlights the challenges of workplace safety and the responsibility of employers to act on complaints of harassment, particularly when the alleged harasser has a violent background.
