Rather than face the music, Melngailis and Strangis went on the run. They had been successfully hiding from the law for months before the fateful food order. They had been staying in a hotel in Tennessee for 40 days when Strangis had a craving that led to their capture, per Vanity Fair. He ordered a pizza, with a side of chicken wings, using his real name. His need for a cheesy slice brought the authorities right to the door of the room at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Pigeon Forge in May 2016. Melngailis’ dog, Leon, started barking when the police approached.
It turned out that the pizza delivery had just been for Strangis. Melngailis, even on the lam, had stuck to her vegan beliefs, living off vegan bowls from Chipotle. The couple was brought to Sevier County Jail, where they remained for several days. No word on what the dining options were there. Melngailis was moved to New York’s Rikers Island jail. She was indicted on 24 counts related to unpaid taxes and wages and fraud, according to CBS News. In May 2017, Melngailis reached a plea deal with authorities. She was incarcerated for four months, followed by five years of probation.
