A Dallas, Texas hair salon owner was sentenced to a week in jail on Tuesday after refusing to close her shop.
The business owner, Shelley Luther, showed no “remorse or regret” and was “flagrant and intentional” in flouting multiple court and state orders, according to the presiding judge and as court documents revealed.
In her defense, Luther, a mother, who also employs hair stylists that have children, told the judge:
“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,” “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.”
CBS DFW filed this video report which includes scenes from the Dallas courthouse where Luther was sentenced. Watch:
It’s also been reported that Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton have both publicly disagreed with the sentence. Paxton called for her immediate release and the judge’s decision “outrageous.”
Judge Eric V Moyé, 14th Civil District Court of Dallas, gave Luther an opportunity to admit she was wrong and apologize for violating the lockdown orders. She refused to do so and stood by her argument to keep the business open.
Gov. Abbott recently announced a multi-phased plan for reopening the state on May 1, beginning with retail, restaurant and entertainment, followed by a later phase on May 18 that would include hair salons.
Update: Texas Supreme Court frees jailed Dallas salon owner Shelley Luther, after Gov. Abbott amends executive order to prevent jailing business owners.
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