Fashion is pretty subjective, but the “saggy pants” phenomenon is one style that’s proven consistently controversial. As some teens found out, this particular wardrobe choice comes with consequences. When they refused to pull up their pants, a deputy taught them a strong lesson in respect. But, did it go too far? You decide.
Deputy Charles Woods, the school resource officer at Bolivar Central High School, about 70 miles east of Memphis, Tennessee, stirred up controversy after dishing out what some say is a harsh punishment for high schoolers who refused to pull up their pants. In a matter of roughly two weeks, four Tennessee high school students found themselves in hot water over low waistbands, and at least three had Woods to thank for the penalties they faced.
The four saggy pants wearing teens were charged with ind ecent exposure after wearing their pants too low to school. Although the arresting officer of the fourth teen was not listed, Deputy Charles Woods was responsible for making the other three arrests, according to online records from the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Department. Adding to the controversy, two of the four teens, both seniors at Bolivar Central High School, were jailed for their fashion faux pas.
After being reprimanded several times, the students continued to violate the school dress code by refusing to pull up their saggy pants. For their disobedience and low-riding clothing, the two seniors spent 48 hours in jail after Deputy Charles Woods decided enough was enough. One of them was Antonio Ammons, who said he had never been in jail before.“ I just took it and went on,” Ammons said, speaking of his time behind bars in the Hardeman County Criminal Justice Complex, where he was placed with other inmates. “I didn’t know what else to do,” Ammons, who lived with his great-grandmother at the time, continued. “I really didn’t like it,” he said, adding that he also had to figure out how to pay more than $250 in fines and court fees which also resulted from the arrest.