A 34-year-old Taiwanese internet celebrity, who has been repeatedly dining and dashing, was finally jailed by a judge. Her lawyer stated in court that the defendant still does not understand why she was arrested and charged. This led the judge to allow a mental health evaluation for her, known as a “730 evaluation.”
According to the New York Post, on Wednesday (November 26th), a hearing was held in the Brooklyn Criminal Court for Pei Chung, who was arrested the previous Friday. The defendant’s court-appointed lawyer, Henry Dechalus, told the court that his client still does not understand why the police arrested her.
“I have spoken with my client, she does not understand the legal process, has difficulty communicating with her lawyers, and may not fully grasp the charges against her,” the lawyer said. “At this time, I will request a 730 evaluation.”
The judge granted the lawyer’s request.
Based on details provided by the police department and court records, Pei Chung has been arrested multiple times for dining and dashing at upscale restaurants. It is estimated by the Post that she has been arrested at least 10 times.
During her latest arrest, after dining and dashing at a Mexican restaurant on Kent Avenue in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood, Pei Chung was apprehended by the police. She was then jailed with a bail set at $4,500 by the judge.
Currently, Pei Chung resides in the notorious Rikers Island jail in New York. The Thanksgiving menu in the prison consists of roast turkey, stuffing, candied yams, and two small squares of artificial butter – a far cry from the gourmet meals she showcases on her blog.
The court has scheduled her next court appearance for December 17th.