A judge has dismissed all five criminal cases against a woman accused of repeatedly dining at upscale restaurants in Williamsburg and refusing to pay the bill.
The cases against Pei Chung were dismissed after a psychiatric evaluation conducted in February found that she was not fit to proceed in court.
Chung has been held at a psychiatric facility on Rikers Island since November after she had been arrested about 10 times in connection with the same alleged scheme and was repeatedly charged with theft of services.
Her court-appointed defense attorney, Henry Philip Dechalus, said Chung has refused to cooperate with staff at the facility.
“They’re observing her, and they have tried to engage her, and she’s resistant to being engaged, interacting with staff or even coming out of the cell,” Dechalus said.
Chung was brought to the courthouse Thursday but refused to appear before the judge. Court officers said they cannot force her into the courtroom, so the hearing proceeded without her.
Despite the dismissal of the criminal cases, Chung will not be released.
Her attorney said she continues to be held because of her immigration status and her mental health.
“They continue to try to get her the help she needs,” Dechalus said.
Chung is expected to be transferred to another psychiatric facility outside of Rikers Island.
