Local News

Quincy ‘bad breath rapist’ captured in California after 16 years

Tuen Kit Lee was found guilty of kidnapping and rape in 2007 after he assaulted a waitress who worked as his family's restaurant in 2005.

May 28, 2024

1 minute to read

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

Tuen Kit Lee was found guilty of kidnapping and rape in 2007 after he had already fled Massachusetts, police said. The charges were connected to a 2005 incident where 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, zip-tied her to a bed facedown, and sexually assaulted her. Police said the woman recognized his “foul breath,” which was used as evidence in court.

Last summer, State Police announced a $10,000 reward for any information that could lead to his arrest. Authorities then learned he could possibly be in the area of Diablo, California, the U.S. Marshals said.

The U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force, or PSWRFTF, received leads about his whereabouts and were able to confirm the reports with local law enforcement.

Lee was arrested Tuesday by multiple agencies, including Massachusetts law enforcement who traveled to California.

“There are violent offenders out there who believe they can commit crimes and not be held accountable for their actions,” acting PSWRFTF commander Sean LoPiccolo said. “Tuen Lee was on the run for more than 16 years and the unwavering dedication by law enforcement to locate and arrest him hopefully brings peace of mind to the victim and her family.”