Those who know state District Judge Eric Moyé say he’s a principled judge with a reverence for the law who doesn’t shy away from tough cases.

He certainly didn’t Tuesday when he ordered Dallas salon owner Shelley Luther to jail after she refused to close up shop in violation of emergency orders enacted in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Moyé, 65, sparked ire from conservatives in Texas and across the country. But colleagues and friends say he was fair, as they’ve always known him to be.

“I’ve never known the judge to seek the spotlight, but he also leans into doing his job,” said state Rep. Rafael Anchía, who has known Moyé as a colleague and friend for about 20 years. “If that is part of the job, then I think he is happy to defend the rule of law against any criticism.”