Memphis Man Arrested for Saggy Pants

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Pants on the ground, pants on the ground, looking like a fool with your pants on the ground. It's a song made famous by an American Idol wanna-be. But now, a Memphis man has been arrested for wearing his pants too low.

Police said the man's pants were so low he violated the states indecent exposure law. Now he's facing some embarrassing charges.

Kenneth Smith likely had his pants up, when he faced a judge Wednesday.
Tuesday, the 24-year old was caught at the Exxon gas station on Union, with his pants down.

Smith was arrested for criminal trespass and indecent exposure. Court records show he was accused of shoplifting at the gas station. When police approached him, they say his pants were so low, his entire "buttock area was visible to the public."

"I see it quite often and it bothers me because it represents the wrong thing," said Dwight Montgomery.

Montgomery, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference said he sees sagging pants and exposed rear ends all over Memphis.

"I have been driving across the street, fellows walking across the street can't get across while holding their pants at the same time," Montgomery said.

Montgomery said the trend is a result of rap videos. He's among the city leaders who recently recorded their own rap, to encourage young men to dress better.

"It's important for these young people to do the right thing, pull up their pants, pull up their grades, turn around their hats, turn around their lives, do the right thing," Montgomery said.

Instead of being arrested, Montgomery said he'd rather see these fashion don'ts do right by doing community service.

"Maybe they'll realize the importance of looking decent carrying themselves in a decent way," Montgomery said.

Cities across the country have banned saggy pants and Tennessee lawmakers had considered outlawing them. Montgomery's best advice, buckle up, if for nothing else for safety.

"If dog goes after them or something happens, they're in trouble," Montgomery said.

Indecent exposure is a misdemeanor.

If convicted Smith could be fined $500 but the offense carries no jail time.