Full Breakdown
Oklahoma Teen Sues McDonald’s Over Harassment by Former Murder Suspect
6/5/2026, 3:19:26 AM
Incident Overview
Chakota P. Nelson, a 16-year-old student, began working at the McDonald’s in Purcell, Oklahoma on 11 August 2022. Within weeks she was assigned to the same shift as Roy Curtis Zornes II, a man who had been released from a secure psychiatric hospital after being declared mentally unfit to stand trial for the 2010 murder, rape, burglary and arson of his former foster mother, Jane Bullard. Nelson’s complaint alleges that Zornes repeatedly engaged in unwanted physical contact—including unsolicited back, shoulder and neck rubs, a “boy-crazy” comment, and a wrist-grabbing incident near the frappé machine that left a bruise. She reported each episode to supervisors, who she says took no corrective action. The harassment continued for “months and months,” prompting Nelson to resign under constructive discharge. She filed a hostile-workplace charge with the EEOC on 4 May 2023; the agency found probable cause in June 2025 and issued a Right-to-Sue letter on 9 March 2026. Nelson’s lawsuit was filed on 28 May 2026 and served on franchisee MRG Restaurants Inc. on 1 June 2026. Zornes was later terminated from the restaurant.
Background of Roy Curtis Zornes II
In March 2010 police discovered the charred remains of Jane Bullard, 60, in Johnston County, Oklahoma. State records show Zornes, then 39, was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree burglary, first-degree arson and first-degree rape. He was declared mentally unfit in 2011 and civilly committed to a secure psychiatric facility. After more than a decade he was released and obtained employment at the Purcell McDonald’s. In April 2023 he was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery for the wrist-grabbing incident, but the case was dismissed on a jurisdictional technicality.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 2010 | Bullard’s murder and arson; Zornes arrested |
| 2011 | Zornes declared mentally unfit; civil commitment |
| 2022 | Zornes hired at McDonald’s in Purcell |
| 11 Aug 2022 | Nelson starts work |
| Feb 2023 | Harassment escalates; reports made |
| Apr 2023 | Wrist-grabbing incident; bruise documented |
| 4 May 2023 | Nelson files EEOC hostile-workplace charge |
| June 2025 | EEOC finds probable cause |
| 9 Mar 2026 | EEOC issues Right-to-Sue letter |
| 28 May 2026 | Lawsuit filed |
| 1 Jun 2026 | Complaint served on MRG Restaurants |
| 31 Jul 2026 | Deadline for franchisee’s answer |
Key Figures
- Chakota P. Nelson – teenage plaintiff and former employee.
- Roy Curtis Zornes II – former offender and alleged harasser.
- David Keesling – attorney representing Nelson.
- Tim Kittle – co-counsel for Nelson.
- Joyce White Vance – former U.S. attorney commenting on ex-offender hiring.
- MRG Restaurants Inc. – franchisee owning the Purcell location.
- McDonald’s Corp. – corporate parent, not directly quoted.
Data & Statistics
- Zornes faced four first-degree charges in 2010 and a misdemeanor assault charge in 2023.
- Nelson was 16 at the time of the alleged harassment.
- The alleged harassment persisted for “months and months.”
- EEOC found probable cause after a two-year investigation.
Official Statements & Responses
Attorney David Keesling asserted that management “did little or nothing to stop” the repeated physical contact and that employers have a duty to intervene “immediately and effectively” when a minor is harassed. A spokesperson for MRG Restaurants and a McDonald’s corporate representative declined to comment when approached for comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Keesling’s criticism highlights perceived failures in workplace safety protocols, especially for teenage workers. Joyce White Vance contextualized the case within broader debates on hiring individuals with felony records, noting a shift from skepticism to mainstream acceptance among employers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The most shocking aspect of this case is not simply Roy Zornes's history,” — David Keesling, Attorney
- “When an employer learns that a teenage employee is being subjected to unwanted physical contact in the workplace, they have a duty to intervene “immediately and effectively,” Keesling went on.” — David Keesling, Attorney
- “For Ms. Nelson, the message from management wasn't 'I'm Lovin' It.' It was, 'We're Ignoring It.'” — David Keesling, Attorney
- “Six or seven years ago, employers looked at you like maybe you had a screw loose when you talked about hiring ex-offenders,” — Joyce White Vance, Former U.S. Attorney
- “repeatedly grabbed the back of [Nelson’s] neck while stating to [her], ‘You’re boy crazy.’” — Roy Curtis Zornes II, as reported in the complaint
Why It Matters
The case underscores legal obligations to protect minor employees from harassment, the potential liability of franchisees for failing to act, and the tension between rehabilitation-focused hiring practices and workplace safety concerns.
What’s Next
MRG Restaurants must file a formal answer by 31 July 2026. If the case proceeds to trial, Nelson seeks exemplary and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and court costs. Zornes has already been terminated from the restaurant, and the outcome may influence future policies on employing individuals with violent criminal histories.
