OT Chicken Littles Rejoice! Undercover officers bust salon services at home

quote:

---

Two Texas women were charged last week after an undercover police sting found they were allegedly offering salon services at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Laredo police said they launched investigations into both cases this month after receiving anonymous tips that the women were violating stay-at-home orders.

“Both of the violators independently solicited customers via social media,” police said in a statement, the Laredo Morning Times reported. “On both cases, an undercover officer working on the COVID-19 task force enforcement detail made contact with each solicitor to set up an appointment for a cosmetic, beauty service that is prohibited under the emergency ordinance.”

Ana Isabel Castro-Garcia, 31, was arrested after she allegedly met with an undercover officer who posed as a customer. She later admitted to running a nail salon inside her home and to promoting the business on social media, police stated.

Brenda Stephanie Mata, 20, was arrested after she allegedly agreed to perform an eyelash service inside her home for an undercover officer posing as a customer.

Both women were charged with violation of an emergency management plan, a Class B misdemeanor that carries a punishment of up to 180 days in jail, a $2,000 fine or both, the Laredo Morning Times reported. They were booked at Webb County Jail and held in lieu of bond, KGNS reported.

“We remind the community that there is an emergency management plan in place in order to control the spread of the novel COVID-19 virus,” police said. “Laredo police officers continue to address violations of the order with enforcement.”

---