Quincy’s ‘bad breath rapist’ arrested in California after 16 years

A man known as the “bad breath rapist” was captured in California after more than 16 years on the run, U.S. Marshals announced Tuesday.

Tuen Kit Lee was convicted of kidnapping and rape in 2007 after he had already fled Massachusetts, police said. The charges were related to a 2005 incident in which Lee broke into the home of a waitress who worked at his family’s restaurant.

Massachusetts State Police said Lee was masked when he threatened the woman with a knife, tied her face down to a bed and sexually assaulted her. Police said the woman recognized his “foul breath,” which was used as evidence in court.

Last summer, state police offered a $10,000 reward for any information leading to his arrest. Then authorities learned he might be in the Diablo, California, area, U.S. Marshals said.

The U.S. Marshals Service’s Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force (PSWRFTF) received tips on his whereabouts and was able to confirm the reports with local law enforcement authorities.

Lee was arrested on Tuesday by several authorities, including Massachusetts State Police, who had traveled to California.

“There are violent offenders who believe they can commit crimes without being held accountable for their actions,” said Sean LoPiccolo, acting PSWRFTF commander. “Tuen Lee was on the run for more than 16 years and the tireless efforts of law enforcement to find and capture him will hopefully bring peace of mind to the victim and her family.”

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