Woman accused of 'dining and dashing' in Williamsburg ordered to undergo mental health evaluation
News 12 was the first to report that Chung has been arrested at least 10 times at some of the top restaurants in Williamsburg after she allegedly ordered food and failed to pay.
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Pei Chung, the woman accused of dining and dashing at some of Williamsburg's top restaurants, was scheduled to appear in a downtown Brooklyn courtroom on Wednesday, but she never faced a judge.
That’s because Chung’s court-appointed attorney, Henry Dechalus, waived her appearance.
However, the judge ordered Chung to undergo a mental health evaluation after Dechalus claimed Chung does not understand the court proceedings and charges against her, and that she is having trouble communicating with her lawyer.
News 12 was the first to report that Chung has been arrested at least 10 times at some of the top restaurants in Williamsburg after she allegedly ordered food and failed to pay.
Court records showed Chung also owes more than $40,000 in back rent for her luxury Brooklyn apartment, and she could be evicted next week.
Chung is currently being held at Rikers Island on a total bail of $4,500 or $9,000 bond.
News 12 also learned that an immigration warrant was issued, and Chung could face deportation.
Gadi Zohar, an immigration attorney who is not connected with the case, told News 12 that the criminal charges most likely triggered the warrant, and even if Chung posted bond or bail, or lets the court proceedings play out, she may still wind up in ICE custody.
“ICE just wants to make sure that she doesn’t disappear after whatever happens with the criminal court,” said Zohar. “So, they want to have it on record that, ‘Hey, we want her once she’s done with the criminal part of it.’ Most likely what they want her for is to put her in removal proceedings.”
Chung is due back in court next month.
News 12 reached out to Dechalus for comment, but as of Wednesday night there was no response.
