McDonald's Employee Charged After Assaulting Teen Over Ranch Dressing Incident

Akeena Sampson, 31, is out on bond after being charged with child abuse for choking a 17-year-old customer who went behind the counter at a St. Petersburg location.

The altercation occurred on April 4, 2025, when the teen went behind the counter to retrieve ranch dressing after reportedly not being assisted by employees.
Surveillance footage captured Akeena Sampson grabbing the teen's arm, choking her, and taking her to the ground, leaving visible injuries on her neck and elbow.
Sampson was arrested and charged with child abuse without great bodily harm and was released on a $2,500 bond on April 5, 2025.
McDonald's USA has placed Sampson on administrative leave and is conducting an internal investigation into the incident.
Law enforcement continues to review evidence as the case raises broader concerns about workplace behavior and customer safety in the fast food industry.