A fast-food manager in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, is facing felony charges and a civil lawsuit following allegations that she intentionally spat into a customer’s drive-thru order. The customer, Jennica Church, claims that this incident subsequently led to her diagnosis with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and has caused significant health concerns and emotional distress for her and her family. The case, which involves both criminal proceedings and a civil complaint seeking damages, highlights critical issues of food safety, employee conduct, and corporate responsibility within the service industry.
The alleged incident occurred in March at an Arby’s restaurant in Broken Bow. According to court filings and local police reports, Jennica Church placed an order for roast beef sandwiches through the drive-thru after completing a late work shift. She later shared the meal with several family members at home. Investigators reviewing surveillance footage from the restaurant reportedly observed the shift manager, Amanda Hendricks, handling sandwich components before allegedly leaning toward the food and expelling saliva onto the meal during its assembly.
Law enforcement initiated an investigation after Church and her family raised concerns. Church told KJRH that while she initially believed employees might have been frustrated by the late-night order, she later began experiencing symptoms after consuming part of the food. Following medical consultation, she was diagnosed with HSV-1, a common viral infection. Surveillance video obtained from the restaurant proved to be a pivotal piece of evidence in the investigation, according to authorities. Based on this footage and statements gathered, law enforcement in Broken Bow arrested Hendricks on a felony charge of food poisoning or tampering with intent to injure.
The civil lawsuit, filed by Church and her family, expands on the allegations, claiming that Hendricks was aware of having an active herpes infection at the time of the incident and understood the risk of transmission through saliva. The complaint further asserts that multiple family members consumed portions of the contaminated sandwiches, leading to widespread fear of infection and significant emotional distress within the household. Family members reportedly described ongoing anxiety about potential exposure, even in the absence of visible symptoms. Church’s attorney has also alleged that Hendricks later made statements acknowledging her actions, which further prompted law enforcement involvement.
In addition to Hendricks, the civil lawsuit names the franchise operator as a defendant, accusing them of failing to adequately address the initial complaint. The complaint alleges that early concerns raised by the family were dismissed after an internal review. Arby’s corporate representatives have not yet issued a detailed public response regarding these specific allegations. The lawsuit seeks damages to cover medical costs, emotional distress, and the long-term health impacts claimed by the family.
The incident has had a profound effect on Church, who stated in court proceedings and media interviews that she now experiences lasting anxiety about dining in restaurants and interacting with food service environments. She also expressed concern about how the diagnosis could affect her ability to perform her customer-facing job. If convicted under Oklahoma law, Hendricks could face a significant prison sentence, reflecting the seriousness with which food tampering offenses are regarded. Both the criminal and civil proceedings in this complex case remain ongoing, with legal experts anticipating a protracted battle over the allegations, evidence, and potential liabilities. This case underscores the critical importance of stringent food safety protocols and accountability for individuals working within the food service industry, alongside the need for robust mechanisms for consumer protection.
