McDonald's Franchisee Settles $4.4M Lawsuit Over Teen's Sexual Assault

A McDonald’s franchisee in Pennsylvania has agreed to pay $4.4 million to settle a lawsuit from a teenage girl who was sexually assaulted by her manager, a registered sex offender, in the restaurant's bathroom. The manager, Walter A. Garner, had a history of sexual offenses and was convicted for assaulting the 14-year-old victim. The franchisee is also facing a similar lawsuit from another teenage girl who alleges she was sexually harassed by the same manager. The franchisee is seeking bankruptcy protection and selling off its restaurants to finance the settlement, while also suing the background check vendor for negligence.