A man from Massachusetts, reportedly known for appearing in a black-and-white mime costume, is now facing criminal harassment charges. Prosecutors allege he terrorized women over several months at a popular state park, including incidents where he reportedly stripped down to his underwear, applied cooking oil to his body, and exercised near female staff members. The accused, Hernan Villagran Lux, 29, of Framingham, reportedly collapsed in court as the detailed allegations were presented.
The charges against Lux stem from complaints by three female employees of the state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Over the past two months, one of the women reported encountering Lux more than 50 times at a state park in Natick, located near Boston.
Allegations of Persistent Harassment
According to prosecutors, all three women were familiar with Lux's identity and appearance. The encounters, which escalated over time, reportedly left the employees fearful of working in his vicinity. The Framingham District Court Supervisor, Andrew Mange, stated during a court hearing that the women described numerous contacts where the defendant stared at them and smiled in a manner they found "really unnerving and frankly terrifying."
Mange further elaborated that these interactions grew increasingly brazen. In one particularly disturbing alleged incident, Lux "stripped down to his underwear, slathered cooking oil all over his body and began working out right by their staff area." The women also reported that Lux repeatedly ignored requests to leave the park premises.
Prosecutors also detailed an instance where Lux allegedly complimented one employee's appearance, specifically commenting on her lips, and refused to depart. This reportedly led the employee and her colleagues to abandon their workstation due to feeling unsafe.
Public Warnings and Subsequent Arrest
The allegations against Lux also circulated on social media, where residents from various Massachusetts communities reported recognizing the suspect. Posts indicated that he had allegedly approached or followed women on the nearby Cochituate Rail Trail.
Authorities apprehended Lux on Sunday evening on the Cochituate Rail Trail. This arrest followed multiple reports from women and park staff who claimed he had repeatedly approached them, stared, and refused to leave despite being asked to do so.
A neighbor, Nancy Dlott, commented on seeing the individual:
"I spotted him, he looked kind of odd, but I thought he was just dressed in a costume. It's kind of upsetting, especially if you're walking alone."
Another local resident, Christopher Labella, expressed his bewilderment:
"I just don't understand what goes through someone's head to do that. I hope this guy gets the help that he needs."
Court Proceedings and Mental Health Evaluation
During Monday's court hearing, as prosecutors continued to present the allegations, Lux reportedly fainted. He received medical attention at the scene, after which the proceedings resumed.
Later that afternoon, when the court reconvened, the judge issued an order for Lux to undergo a mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital.
