Rhode Island fugitive arrested on boat after 21 years on the run
Ronald L. Fischer, convicted in absentia of sexual assault, was captured aboard a 56-foot vessel off New Jersey, officials said.
By Sal Moretti · Money Reporter
2 min read
Ronald L. Fischer, a former anesthesiologist once listed among Rhode Island’s most wanted fugitives, was arrested aboard a 56-foot boat off the coast of New Jersey after more than 20 years on the run, state and federal officials said Thursday.
Fischer had fled Rhode Island in 2005 while he was on trial for first-degree sexual assault, according to CBS affiliate WPRI. He was accused of sexually assaulting a woman on his yacht in 2003.
He was later convicted in absentia on the sexual assault charge, as well as for failure to appear and flight to avoid prosecution, WPRI reported.
The Rhode Island Most Wanted list had described Fischer as a “well-connected” man, a “master yachtsman” and a “world traveler.” He also appeared multiple times on the TV show “America’s Most Wanted,” according to the report.
A tip, a boat and a fast-moving manhunt
The break came this week after investigators developed new leads, the U.S. Marshals Service said. Over a 48-hour stretch, the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force, the FBI, Rhode Island State Police and U.S. Marshals followed information that took them to New York.
WPRI reported that the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force had received a credible tip about Fischer’s location.
Federal officials said agents worked with local law enforcement in New York and tracked Fischer to a boat called “The Silver Lining.” The vessel was registered under the alias Richard Graydon, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
Law enforcement intercepted the boat about an hour off the New Jersey coast, the Marshals Service said. Fischer was found onboard and taken into custody without incident.
He was brought to New York and is now in the custody of U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement, according to officials. Rhode Island State Police also shared a photo showing Fischer in custody.
Officials cite long-running pursuit
Wing Chau, the U.S. Marshal for the District of Rhode Island, said in a statement that Fischer’s arrest “demonstrates that time does not erase accountability.”
“Thanks to outstanding investigative work, exceptional intelligence analysis, and seamless coordination between agencies, Fischer is finally in custody,” Chau said. “We hope today's arrest brings a measure of justice and long-awaited closure to the victim and everyone impacted by these crimes.”
The U.S. Marshals Service described Fischer as one of Rhode Island’s longest-wanted fugitives. His arrest closes a search that began after he disappeared during his criminal trial and continued for more than two decades.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.