CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Crystal Roedl said her boss Jennifer Hanna, owner of the Home Instead in Champaign, Illinois, illegally restrained her after Roedl was fired.
Champaign Police said Roedl needed medical attention after the incident. Now, they’re taking action. Police said 52-year-old Hanna has been served a notice to appear for unlawful restraint, which is a non-violent felony in Illinois.
Roedl started working for Home Instead in November of 2023. Home Instead is usually known for delivering compassionate, high-quality care to seniors around the globe. But after Roedl posted video of the incident on TikTok that has garnered over one million views, the company may be seen in a different light.
“She is very aggressive,” Roedl said. “Mentally abusive, she’s done it to multiple other staff in the office.”
Roedl said this behavior came to a head on Thursday.
“Yesterday she said I had sweatpants on, as which I didn’t, I had maternity pants on,” Roedl said. “She had me go in her office and stated that I was wearing pajama pants, and it was very unprofessional.”
Roedel said she told Hanna she was going to quit and then went back to her office.
“I got into my office; she followed me, and she locked me in my office,” Roedl said.
Roedel took video of the events, and in it, Hanna is standing in front of the door. She said Roedel can’t leave until she gives company property back.
“She’s been terminated, and she will not give company property over, which is the key fob to the access to the office,” Hanna said in the video.
Roedl said she would’ve given the property back if she had it on her. But she didn’t.
“At that time, I did not have the key fob on me,” Roedl said. “It was at my home. I told her I would mail it to her.”
Finally, after eight minutes, Roedl said Hanna let her leave. Champaign Police said they sent an officer to the scene just before 4 p.m. and that Roedl was taken to the hospital.
Friday, officers completed a follow-up interview with Roedl and issued a notice to appear in court for Hanna. Police said this is the equivalent of an arrest in a non-violent felony.
“I just feel like her being a business owner, she should not own a business,” Roedl said.
Home Instead Inc. released a statement addressing the situation:
“Home Instead Inc. is aware of and investigating a video posted to TikTok of an incident that took place at an independently owned and operated Home Instead franchise location in Illinois. We are taking this very seriously, as we do not condone behavior that is inconsistent with our values or policies. Upon conclusion of our investigation, we will take appropriate action.”
