Chicago Man Sentenced to 6 Years for Wendy's Sexual Assault

Emmanuel Ortega-Garcia assaulted a 16-year-old high school student at a North Side Wendy's in 2022.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A Chicago man named Emmanuel Ortega-Garcia has been sentenced to six years in prison for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old high school student at a Wendy's restaurant in the city's Lakeview neighborhood over three years ago. Ortega-Garcia met the victim on a CTA bus in October 2022 and followed her into the Wendy's, where the assault took place. Restaurant staff and the victim's high school security team detained Ortega-Garcia until police arrived.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual violence against minors, even in public spaces, and the importance of vigilant security measures and community response to protect vulnerable individuals. It also raises questions about public safety on public transit and the need for increased education and awareness around these types of predatory behaviors.

The details

According to prosecutors, Ortega-Garcia met the 16-year-old victim on a CTA bus in October 2022 and then followed her into a gas station and then a Wendy's restaurant on North Western Avenue in the Lakeview neighborhood. The victim texted someone for help, and restaurant staff as well as security from her high school, Lane Tech, were able to detain Ortega-Garcia until police arrived. Ortega-Garcia has now been sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of aggravated criminal sexual assault.

  • In October 2022, Ortega-Garcia met the 16-year-old victim on a CTA bus.
  • On Thursday, Ortega-Garcia was sentenced to six years in prison.

The players

Emmanuel Ortega-Garcia

A Chicago man who was sentenced to six years in prison for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old high school student at a Wendy's restaurant in 2022.

Lane Tech High School

The high school of the 16-year-old victim, whose security team helped detain Ortega-Garcia until police arrived.

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What’s next

The judge's decision on Ortega-Garcia's sentencing will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how similar cases of sexual assault against minors in public spaces are handled.

The takeaway

This disturbing incident underscores the need for increased education, awareness, and protective measures to safeguard young people from predatory behavior, especially in seemingly public and safe environments like restaurants and public transit.