PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The manager of a Portland Taco Bell who was caught on camera choking a pregnant employee was sentenced to 3 years of probation.
Linda Wilkerson pleaded guilty to 4th-degree assault and strangulation on Friday, according to the Multnomah District Attorney’s Office.
Wilkerson was the manager of the Taco Bell restaurant on NE Cargo Way, near Portland International Airport, when the assault happened on June 3, 2018.
The victim in the case was an employee who was 4 months pregnant and Wilkerson was her supervisor.
The employee told her manager that she was often nauseous due to her pregnancy and needed to eat and drink water throughout her shift.
But the victim said Wilkerson was rude to her, canceled her food order she placed during one of her breaks and also questioned whether the victim could even work at the restaurant while pregnant.
The situation escalated when Wilkerson took the victim into the back office, slammed the door in her face and screamed at her. Wilkerson told the employee to clock out before grabbing her by the neck with both hands and pushing her toward the desk behind her, then stormed out of the office.
“That was my job,“ the victim told KOIN 6 News. “I was supposed to feel safe there. I wasn’t sure if she was going to let go of my throat. It was a big deal. I do believe she deserves this sentence.“
Wilkerson was sentenced to 3 years of formal probation. She was also ordered to take an anger management class, have no contact with the victim and complete 100 hours of community service. Wilkerson may also be required to pay a restitution fine.
“My client is very appreciative of the hard work of law enforcement and the district attorney’s office. [She] is excited that the case is resolved and looking forward to moving on with her life,“ the victim’s lawyer said.
He also said while the criminal case is over, they are still exploring legal options, including holding Taco Bell responsible.
The women are no longer employed by Taco Bell. Wilkerson declined to comment.