Ronald L. Fischer, a former Rhode Island anesthesiologist convicted in absentia of sexual assault, was arrested Thursday aboard his sailboat off the New Jersey coast. Fischer had been a fugitive for over 20 years after fleeing his 2005 trial, eventually becoming one of Rhode Island’s most wanted individuals.
The arrest of the 70-year-old fugitive concluded a two-decade search that featured prominently on the television program America’s Most Wanted. Fischer, a former department chairman at the now-shuttered Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket, was apprehended by federal and state authorities after investigators tracked his 56-foot vessel, The Silver Lining, to waters off the New Jersey coast.
The 2005 Flight and Conviction
Fischer’s disappearance occurred during his first-degree sexual assault trial in April 2005. He had been accused of assaulting a woman aboard his yacht in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, in 2003.
“Although I believe my trial has gone very well, and expect to be acquitted and dismissed, the small chance of losing could carry extremely and unacceptably harsh penalties. I have therefore decided not to take the risk and to leave the US and enjoy life in another country where I have long been carefully planning a good, safe, secure and comfortable life.”
Ronald L. Fischer, in an email to his attorney
Fischer remained at large as the trial proceeded in his absence. A jury convicted him of first-degree sexual assault, and he was subsequently sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 25 years. Prior to this conviction, he had a documented history of legal trouble; BostonGlobe.com reported that in 1994, he pleaded guilty to assault and battery after a rape charge was dropped following an incident involving a nursing student on his previous yacht, The Dreammaker.
Tracking the Fugitive via ‘Richard Graydon’
The breakthrough in the multi-year investigation arrived earlier this week when authorities received a tip from an online sleuth,
according to Foxnews. This information led federal agents to a 56-foot sailboat operating under the alias Richard Graydon.
The operation involved a rapid, 48-hour coordination between the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Fischer surrendered without resistance.
Law Enforcement Response and Accountability
Following the arrest, U.S. Marshal for the District of Rhode Island Wing Chau emphasized the persistence of the task force in a public statement.
“Ronald Fischer thought he had escaped justice but thanks to a tip from an online sleuth, the FBI was able to develop new intelligence which led investigators to the boat belonging to Fischer under his alias Robert Graydon. That’s when the FBI and the RI Violent Fugitive Task Force coordinated a multi-state law enforcement operation that resulted in Fischer’s capture. This is truly a testament to our strong law enforcement partnerships that allow for the seamless sharing of intelligence in real-time to take violent criminals off our streets.”
Ted E. Docks, FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge, via Fox News
Fischer is now in custody and faces additional charges, including failure to appear in court and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.