Multiple Arrests Highlight a Troubling Pattern (Image Credits: Nypost.com)
Williamsburg, Brooklyn — A court dismissed criminal charges against Pei Chung, the 34-year-old aspiring food influencer linked to repeated unpaid tabs at high-end restaurants.[1][2]
Multiple Arrests Highlight a Troubling Pattern
Pei Chung faced at least nine arrests starting in late October 2025 for theft of services after allegedly leaving without paying at several upscale spots.[1] Police responded to more than 10 calls involving her at eateries in the Williamsburg area. She often arrived dressed in designer outfits, photographed her meals for social media, and then departed without settling the bill.[2]
Her attorney, Henry Philip Dechalus, later described a downward spiral in her behavior. Chung believed her promotional posts benefited the businesses, though this view lacked grounding in reality. Prosecutors pursued misdemeanor charges across five cases tied to these incidents.
Restaurants Targeted in the Scheme
Chung’s activities focused on trendy Brooklyn venues known for their premium offerings. Staff at these locations grew familiar with her appearances and tactics. Incidents escalated despite prior warnings and arrests.
- Peter Luger Steak House, where she skipped a high tab.
- Francie, after attempting to barter with a social media post on October 22, 2025.
- Lavender Lake, involving another substantial unpaid bill.
- Mole Mexican Bar and Grill, her final arrest site with a $149 order.
- Others including Motorino, Sea Thai, Misi, and 12 Chairs.
Restaurant managers expressed frustration over the repeated disruptions. One source noted she consumed items like a mezze platter and lamb at 12 Chairs before leaving.[2]
Mental Health Evaluation Shifts the Case
In November 2025, Dechalus requested a psychiatric exam after Chung failed to grasp the charges against her. The evaluation occurred in February 2026 while she remained at Rikers Island. Results deemed her unfit to stand trial, prompting the legal pivot.[3]
Dechalus told reporters she had engaged with an AI service that reinforced her misguided beliefs. “There was no pulling back from it,” he said. She often refused to leave her cell or interact with staff during detention.[1]
Background of the Accused Influencer
Originally from Taiwan, Chung arrived in the U.S. in 2019 on a student visa for Pratt Institute, where she studied information experience design. She held UX design roles at firms like Chase, Comcast, and Vanguard until 2023, then listed herself as semi-retired. Her Instagram showcased luxury items from Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes alongside food photos.[2]
She resided in a $3,500 monthly Williamsburg apartment until eviction for $40,000 in unpaid rent accumulated since August 2024. Friends recalled her as cultured and polite before she vanished from social circles around late 2021, citing distress from an ex-boyfriend. An active immigration warrant complicated her status alongside mental health needs.
Court Outcome and Path Forward
On Thursday before March 9, 2026, Brooklyn Criminal Court dismissed all charges as misdemeanors eligible for automatic dismissal under state law. Chung did not appear, having refused transport from Rikers. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office confirmed the ruling.
Authorities now plan her transfer to a state hospital for treatment. Dechalus expressed hope that her issues receive proper attention. “I just hope it gets addressed now,” he stated.[1]
Key Takeaways
- Five theft charges dismissed due to mental unfitness finding.
- At least 10 restaurant incidents since October 2025.
- Transfer to psychiatric facility pending amid immigration hold.
This resolution closes the criminal chapter but underscores challenges in addressing mental health within the justice system. Restaurant owners worry about precedents for similar cases. What do you think about the outcome? Tell us in the comments.
