Ciocolata Munteanu Fined €200 After US Deportation for 2018/2019 Shoplifting

Ciocolata Munteanu, 26, was deported from the US to Ireland by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 24, after living there for five years. She faced two historic shoplifting charges from late 2018 and early 2019 in Cork city.

Munteanu, with an address at Orchard Court, Blackpool, Cork, was arrested upon arrival at Dublin Airport. The charges involved stealing ham worth €80 and cosmetics worth €264 from stores in Blackpool. Her solicitor, Dennis Healy, stated that ICE confiscated her car and $20,000 in savings, leaving her with $200.

She pleaded guilty to the thefts at Cork District Court a day after her deportation. Judge Mary Dorgan had previously expressed concerns about Munteanu's demeanor in court. The case was finalized yesterday, with Munteanu paying €380 in compensation and receiving a €200 fine (€100 for each theft).