According to source, a Massachusetts refugee known as the “Bad Breath Rapist” was arrested after nearly 20 years on the run

A Massachusetts fugitive known as the “Bad Breath Rapist” has been arrested after nearly 20 years on the run, a law enforcement source told Boston 25’s Bob Ward.

Tuen Kit Lee, who disappeared during his 2007 rape trial, was caught in California after a lengthy manhunt involving U.S. Marshals, Quincy police and a special forces unit, the source confirmed to Ward.

Lee, whose family owned the Kagawa restaurant in Quincy, raped a waitress at the restaurant after breaking into her home on Feb. 2, 2005, authorities said.

Lee was masked, threatened the victim with a knife, tied her face down to a bed and sexually assaulted her, investigators said. He left the victim tied to the bed with zip ties, where she was found several hours later by her boyfriend, who went to her house since he could not reach her by phone.

Among the evidence that identified Lee as the perpetrator was his bad breath, which the victim recognized. Officials say he was later dubbed the “bad breath rapist” by the media.

After his arrest in 2007, Lee posted bail of $100,000.

After testifying at the Norfolk Superior Court hearing in 2007, Lee failed to appear in court to make closing arguments. He was convicted in absentia and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

In August 2023, Massachusetts offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to Lee’s arrest.

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates as more information becomes available.

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