Charges Dropped Against Prada-Loving Dine-and-Dash Influencer After Psych Exam

Pei Chung, 34, will be transferred to a state hospital for mental health treatment after judge finds her unfit to stand trial.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A judge has dismissed criminal charges against Pei Chung, a 34-year-old woman accused of repeatedly dining and dashing at high-end restaurants in Brooklyn. Chung, who posted photos of herself in luxury fashion, was found mentally unfit to stand trial and will now be transferred to a state hospital for mental health treatment.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex intersection of mental health, criminal justice, and social media influence. Chung's alleged actions raise questions about how the legal system should handle individuals who may be struggling with mental health issues while also engaging in criminal behavior.

The details

Chung was charged with multiple counts of theft of services after allegedly stiffing several top restaurants in Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood in exchange for her self-proclaimed "promotional skills." She had been arrested at least 10 times for dine-and-dash incidents at trendy eateries like Francie, Lavender Lake, Motorino, and Peter Luger. Despite the multiple arrests, Chung continued her behavior until she was finally held on bail late last year after allegedly ripping off Mole Mexican Bar and Grill.

  • In November, Chung was ordered to undergo a mental health exam after her attorney said she didn't understand the charges.
  • Last Thursday, the criminal charges against Chung were dismissed during a brief hearing in Brooklyn Criminal Court.

The players

Pei Chung

A 34-year-old woman accused of repeatedly dining and dashing at high-end restaurants in Brooklyn while posting photos of herself in luxury fashion.

Henry Philip Dechalus

Chung's court-appointed attorney, who said she believed she was "going to help these businesses" but wasn't grounded in reality.

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What they’re saying

“When she went to these restaurants, they let her set up and eat. By all appearances, there was some normalcy to it. But what we failed to see was that there was a downward spiral... I just hope it gets addressed now.”

— Henry Philip Dechalus, Chung's attorney (New York Post)

What’s next

Chung is currently remanded due to an active immigration warrant and will be transferred from Rikers Island to a different state hospital for mental health treatment.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of addressing mental health issues within the criminal justice system, as well as the potential risks and consequences of social media-driven behavior. It underscores the need for a more comprehensive approach to supporting individuals struggling with mental health problems who may engage in unlawful activities.