‘Bad Breath Rapist’ caught in East Bay after 16 years at large

Amy Larson
·3 min read
2
‘Bad Breath Rapist’ caught in East Bay after 16 years at large

(KRON) — A fugitive known as the “Bad Breath Rapist” was found in the East Bay and arrested on Tuesday after 16 years on the run, U.S. Marshals Service officials told KRON4.

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

Lee, 55, went on the run in September 2007 when he fled from his trial in Massachusetts. A jury convicted him 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.
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, zip-tied her to a bed, and raped her at knifepoint, according to Massachusetts State Police. Lee wore a mask to disguise his identity during the assault.

But the victim recognized the rapist’s “foul breath” because she worked in Lee’s family’s restaurant, state police said. He was dubbed by media as the “Bad Breath Rapist.”

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

Tuen Kit “Dickie” Lee is led away in handcuffs on May 28, 2024. (Image courtesy U.S. Marshals Service)
Tuen Kit “Dickie” Lee is led away in handcuffs on May 28, 2024. (Image courtesy U.S. Marshals Service)

“Tuen Kit Lee was believed to have fled Massachusetts, but his location was unknown until investigators with the Massachusetts State Police VFAS developed information that Lee was possibly staying in Diablo, California,” the Marshals Service wrote.

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With the help of Danville Police Department, it was determined that Lee was in fact staying in Diablo, east of Danville, investigators said.

“New information broke the case wide open. An address was developed in Diablo, California.  The multi-million dollar residence was owned by a female flower shop owner.  Open-source intelligence provided investigators with images of an individual on social media that they believed was Lee,” Massachusetts State Police wrote.

Lee’s capture was coordinated by the Danville Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, and the USMS Cold and Complex Case team.

Tuen Lee is handcuffed in Diablo, Calif., on May 28, 2024. (Image courtesy U.S. Marshals Service)
Tuen Lee is handcuffed in Diablo, Calif., on May 28, 2024. (Image courtesy U.S. Marshals Service)

Undercover officers spotted Lee and the woman leaving the multi-million dollar home and driving away on Tuesday. Danville police officers conducted a traffic stop and questioned Lee about his identity.

“Lee initially provided a fake name, but ultimately confessed when pressed about his true identity. His female companion, after 15 years of being together in California, never knew who he really was,” state police authorities wrote.

Commander Sean LoPiccolo of the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force said, “There are violent offenders out there who believe they can commit crimes and not be held accountable for their actions. 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.”

Lee was booked into a Contra Costa County Jail. He will face a life prison sentence once he is transported back to Massachusetts.

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