“Bad breath rapist” arrested after 16 years on the run

(KRON) – A fugitive known as the “Bad Breath Rapist” was found in the San Francisco Bay Area and arrested Tuesday after 16 years at large, U.S. Marshals Service officials told Nexstar’s KRON.

Investigators from Massachusetts traveled to California to track down convicted rapist Tuen Kit “Dickie” Lee near Danville, California, and take him into custody.

Lee, 55, went on the run in September 2007 when he fled his trial in Massachusetts. A jury found him guilty in absentia of kidnapping and raping a young woman.

Tuen Kit “Dickie” Lee is seen in 2005 photos provided by the United States Marshals Service.

The victim was at home in 2005 when Lee broke into her home, tied her to a bed and raped her at knifepoint, according to Massachusetts State Police. Lee wore a mask to conceal his identity during the assault.

But the victim recognized the rapist’s “bad breath” because she worked at Lee’s family restaurant, state police said. He was nicknamed by the media the “bad breath rapist”.

After fleeing his trial, Lee remained a fugitive for 16 years.

Tuen Kit “Dickie” Lee is led away in handcuffs on May 28, 2024. (Image provided by the US Marshals Service)

“Tuen Kit Lee is believed to have fled Massachusetts, but his location was unknown until Massachusetts State Police (VFAS) investigators discovered that Lee may have been staying in Diablo, California,” wrote the Marshals Service.

With the help of the Danville Police Department, it was determined that Lee actually resided in Diablo, on the eastern edge of the San Francisco Bay Area, investigators said.

Lee’s capture was coordinated by the Danville Police Department, the US Marshals Service PSWRFTF, the USMS Massachusetts Fugitive Task Force and the USMS Cold and Complex Case Team.

Tuen Lee is handcuffed in Diablo, California, May 28, 2024. (Image provided by the US Marshals Service)

“There are violent offenders who believe they can commit crimes and not be held accountable for their actions,” said Commander Sean LoPiccolo of the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force. “Tuen Lee was on the run for over 16 years and law enforcement’s unwavering dedication to locating and arresting him will hopefully bring peace of mind to the victim and his family.”

Lee faces a possible life sentence.