Ex-McDonald’s worker in french fry case banned from food industry, for now

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DUDLEY, Mass. – The former night manager at a McDonald’s restaurant in Southbridge, accused of stuffing a handful of french fries in her mouth before they were sent to a customer, was released on personal recognizance after her initial court appearance.

Kaylie M. Santos, 22, of Southbridge, is charged with distributing food with a harmful substance, according to court records. She was arraigned in Dudley District Court on Friday, June 5.

During the brief proceeding, a not-guilty plea was entered by Santos, with the judge forbidding her to work in the food industry until the court case is completed.

The case drew widespread attention after a video, showing a worker said to be Santos, was posted on social media. Police later learned that the targeted customer was a former girlfriend of Santos.

The video was taken April 9.

The former girlfriend was in the courtroom Friday, seeking a restraining order against Santos. Before the arraignment, Judge Andrew J. Abdella called the woman to the stand.

The woman, 21, said she learned of the tainted french fries after seeing a social media post. She became emotional while talking about the case.

Christopher Monroy, lawyer for the ex-girlfriend, contended that Santos asked his client to not press charges.

A text message chain sent to the ex-girlfriend from the defendant was introduced as evidence. Dated May 7 and going into May 8, the chain appears to show Santos pleading for leniency, saying, “We don’t hate each other that much,” followed by a crying emoji.

Leonardo A. Angiulo, the lawyer for Santos, said the restraining order was not warranted, that there has been no contact or physical abuse made by Santos.

The judge did not issue the restraining order. During the arraignment, he ordered Santos to stay away from the former girlfriend.

Reporting by Craig S. Semon, Worcester Telegram & Gazette (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect).