A Salon owner in Dallas, Texas has recently been sentenced to a week in jail for disobeying the social distancing rules set for the pandemic. She blatantly told officials she would not stop because she had to put food on the table.
She has also injured a fine of $500 per day the salon stays open.
Shelley Luther, the owner of Salon À la Mode and Hot Mess Enterprises, has gained national attention for opening her salon during April at which social distancing was intact. She didn't take lightly for being told to shut down and even ripped up court orders during a protest with 100 others.
According to CBS News:
Judge Eric V Moyé, of the 14th Civil District Court of Dallas, told Luther on Tuesday that he would consider a lighter sentence if she admitted that she was wrong and apologized to the elected officials whose orders she violated.
"I have much respect for this court and laws. I have never been in this position before and it's not someplace that I want to be," Luther responded, according to CBS Dallas Fort Worth. "But I have to disagree with you, sir, when you say that I'm selfish because feeding my kids — is not selfish. I have hair stylists that are going hungry because they'd rather feed their kids. So sir, if you think the law is more important than kids getting fed, then please go ahead with your decision but I am not going to shut the salon."
Court documents state that Luther's employees violated social distancing guidelines by running the salon and interacting with customers. Luther insists her employees are entitled to their income and that she has kept her salon clean and safe for patrons.
Luther was taken into custody and her attorney said he would immediately appeal the decision.
Supporters of Luther recently started a GoFundMe, which has raised more than $280,000 to support her and her employees. They called her an "American Hero that has decided to resist tyranny."
Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton publically disagreed with her sentencing.
"The trial judge did not need to lock up Shelley Luther. His order is a shameful abuse of judicial discretion, which seems like another political stunt in Dallas," Paxton wrote to Judge Moyé.
"Excessive." Abbott agreed.
"As I have made clear through prior pronouncements, jailing Texans for non-compliance with executive orders should always be the last available option. Compliance with executive orders during this pandemic is important to ensure public safety; however, surely there are less restrictive means to achieving that goal than jailing a Texas mother," Abbott added.
He later opened up salons, barbershops, and nail salons only if they social distance and wear face masks.
