Tuen Lee: Fugitive known as ‘rapist with bad breath’ found 17 years after conviction for assaulting colleague | US News

Tuen Lee was found guilty in 2007 of kidnapping and raping a young colleague, partly because his victim recognized the smell of his breath. He fled before he could be sentenced, but was eventually found by police in California with his partner.

A refugee known as the “bad breath rapist” has been in prison for 17 years after fleeing his conviction for raping a colleague.

Tuen Kit Lee was found guilty in 2007 of kidnapping and raping a young woman in her home south of Boston, Massachusetts, but fled before he could be sentenced.

Lee, who wore a mask during the attack, was identified in part by his victim’s ability to smell his breath, and officials kept the case alive in the media through appearances on “America’s Most Wanted.”

He was arrested Tuesday after he was seen leaving a “multi-million dollar residence” near Oakland. California with his partner, who did not know his history.

“His partner did not know who he really was despite their 15-year relationship in California,” said a statement from the Massachusetts State Police.

After images of a man believed to be Lee appeared on social media, investigators were able to track him down to Contra Costa County, California, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

When officers stopped his car, Lee initially gave a false name, but when questioned, he confessed his true identity and fingerprints confirmed his true identity.

Lee is being held by police in California and is awaiting his scheduled extradition to Massachusetts.

He faces a life sentence in prison.

According to investigators, Lee broke into the victim’s home on February 2, 2005 and raped her at knifepoint.

“He was ultimately identified by his DNA and his terrible breath, earning him the nickname ‘The Bad Breath Rapist,'” state police said.

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“There are violent criminals who believe they can commit crimes without being held accountable for their actions,” said Sean LoPiccolo, deputy head of a U.S. Marshals task force.

“Tuen Lee was on the run for more than 16 years and the tireless efforts of law enforcement to find and arrest him will hopefully bring peace of mind to the victim and her family.”