A mayor in Texas is under investigation after an Instagram picture appeared to show her getting her nails done at a salon, which is deemed a non-essential activity during the coronavirus pandemic.
The investigation, led by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, came after numerous complaints were filed against Beaumont Mayor Becky Ames (R).
Despite Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordering all non-essential businesses to close on April 2, Ames was pictured inside “The Nail Bar” the other week.
Ames was accused of flouting the government order to get a manicure, although it was later learned that she actually visited the salon to dip her fingers in a bowl of acetone to remove an old manicure set.
The mayor told local news station 12News that she only spent 10 minutes at the nail salon, which was empty besides the owner.
Regardless, the action still appears to be in violation of the state’s policies aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus.
Reports indicate that if a violation is found to have occurred, “the license holder will be sent a ‘notice of alleged violation’ along with a proposed fine” of up to $1,000.
In a statement regarding the incident, Ames apologized for what she described as a “lapse in judgement.”
“I did not intend to take personal privilege while asking others to sacrifice and for that, I am truly remorseful,” the mayor said. “As an elected official, I am held to a higher standard. I regret my action that day. I am honestly sorry, and I pray that you will forgive me.”
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H/T 12News