A man who spent more than 20 years evading law enforcement after fleeing Rhode Island during his criminal trial has been taken into custody, bringing an end to one of the state’s longest-running fugitive cases.
Ronald L. Fischer, 70, was arrested aboard a 56-foot sailboat off the coast of New Jersey after investigators received fresh intelligence about his location. Law enforcement officials said the operation involved multiple agencies and ended peacefully, with Fischer surrendering without incident.
Fled Trial Before Conviction
Authorities said Fischer disappeared in 2005 while standing trial on a charge of first-degree sexual assault linked to an incident involving a woman aboard his yacht in 2003.
Despite his absence, the court convicted him and imposed a life sentence with the possibility of parole after serving 25 years. Officials said Fischer had informed his attorney by email that he intended to leave the United States rather than risk a lengthy prison sentence. Since then, he had remained one of Rhode Island’s most wanted fugitives and was known to use multiple aliases while living as a fugitive.
Investigators Tracked Him to Sailboat
According to authorities, investigators recently uncovered credible leads indicating Fischer was operating a sailboat named Silver Lining under the alias Richard Graydon. Federal and state law enforcement agencies coordinated to intercept the vessel roughly an hour off the New Jersey shoreline.
Following his arrest, Fischer was transferred into federal custody. In addition to serving the sentence related to his original conviction, he is expected to face charges connected to unlawful flight and failing to appear in court. Officials said the arrest demonstrates that fugitives can still be located and held accountable, even after decades on the run.
