DA's office investigates after Texas mayor is forced to apologize for breaking her own lockdown to get her NAILS done in a 'lapse of judgement'

A Texas mayor has been forced to apologize after breaking her own lockdown rules to get her nails done at a local salon. 

Becky Ames was pictured wearing a mask with her hand soaking in acetone at The Nail Bar in Beaumont on Tuesday. 

The District Attorney's office said Thursday it is investigating the circumstances of her trip. Nail salons are among the businesses ordered by Ames to close after a stay-at-home order was announced March 27 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Violating the restriction is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000. 

Beaumont mayor Ames had said Tuesday she did not violate the city's stay-at-home order when she visited a closed nail shop. She apologized for her actions Thursday. 

After the picture circulated on social media, Ames said she was not getting a manicure but was soaking her fingertips in acetone to remove the artificial nails.

Beaumont mayor Becky Ames was pictured at The Nail Bar in the city on Tuesday

Beaumont mayor Ames had said Tuesday she did not violate the city's stay-at-home order when she visited a closed nail shop. She apologized for her actions Thursday

She said the salon owner told her the shop wasn't open, but that she would mix up some solution for pickup, according to Beaumont Enterprise. The photograph was taken while Ames was soaking her nails to learn how to take them off.

But by Thursday Ames has issued a 'heartfelt apology' for her 'lapse in judgement'. 

She said: 'I should never have entered the salon last Tuesday. I did not intend to take personal privilege while asking others to sacrifice and for that I am truly remorseful.'

Ames said she 'regretted' her decision and was 'honestly sorry'. She added: 'In addition, I have asked the city attorney to place me on executive session this Tuesday so I can discuss this issue with my fellow Councilmembers.'  

The mayor had said she did not know who took the photo or even realize there was a third person in the salon. The owner said it was an employee who had stopped by to pick up nail polish to use at home. The worker has been informed she cannot return to the shop, though it was not immediately known for how long.  

A spokesman for both the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation confirmed their investigations to Fox 4. 

Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick said: 'My order required salons to close, as did the Governor's order.' He confirmed the DA's office 'would look at it'. 

The DA's office said: 'We'll investigate to see if there's any criminal conduct to be examined.'  

A handful of Texas businesses reopened Friday in defiance of state guidance in the fight against the coronavirus, which allows retailers to offer 'to go' service but leaves other restrictions in place.  

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this month announced a series of orders intended to restart the state economy, but salons and dine-in restaurant service are not yet allowed. 

The Galleria shopping mall sits void of customers in the middle of the day in Dallas on Friday. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this month announced a series of orders intended to restart the state economy, but salons and dine-in restaurant service are not yet allowed

More than 1.3 million people have filed for unemployment in Texas since mid-March and joblessness has skyrocketed nationwide due to coronavirus-related business shutdowns.

Texas has reported 593 deaths and 22,806 overall cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. The number of infections is likely much higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.

Abbott has reopened state parks and allowed medical providers to resume performing elective surgeries, including abortions. On Friday, businesses were allowed to start selling goods to go. 

Some of Texas' largest malls designed plans for shoppers to drive up and collect good ordered in advance.