A Massachusetts man accused of repeatedly frightening women while dressed as a mime has been charged with criminal harassment after prosecutors alleged he escalated his behavior by stripping to his underwear and covering himself in cooking oil during encounters on a popular walking trail.
Hernan Villagran Lux, 29, faces three counts of criminal harassment after three female employees of the Department of Conservation and Recreation accused him of repeatedly targeting them while they worked along the Cochituate Rail Trail in Framingham. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to prosecutors, the women described a pattern of disturbing encounters that became increasingly alarming over time. They said Villagran Lux would repeatedly stare at them and smile in what they described as an unsettling and terrifying manner.
During one incident, prosecutors allege he removed most of his clothing, remained in his underwear, and coated himself in cooking oil in front of the women.
Residents told local media they had seen the suspect several times walking around the area dressed as a mime, wearing a top hat, face paint, a black cape and carrying a cane. Several said his appearance had always stood out and left them feeling uneasy.
Following his not guilty plea, a judge ordered Villagran Lux to undergo a mental health evaluation at a state hospital to determine whether he is competent to stand trial.