One of Rhode Island's most wanted fugitives wanted for sexual assault captured after more than 20 years on the run
Ronald L. Fischer fled Rhode Island during his trial in 2005 and appeared several times on the television show "America's Most Wanted"
A man convicted of sexual assault and considered one of Rhode Island's most wanted fugitives was arrested off the New Jersey coast after more than 20 years on the run, state authorities reported.
Ronald L. Fischer fled Rhode Island during his criminal trial for first-degree sexual assault in 2005, CBS affiliate WPRI reported.
He was accused of sexually assaulting a woman on his yacht in 2003, and convicted in absentia on the sexual assault charge, as well as failing to appear in court and fleeing to avoid prosecution.
Fischer, a former anesthesiologist, spent more than 20 years on the run. Rhode Island's most wanted list described him as a “well-connected” man, an “expert navigator” and an “inveterate traveler.” He also appeared several times on the television show “America’s Most Wanted.”
The operation to arrest Fischer was organized quickly, the US Marshals Service reported.
Over a 48-hour period, the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force, the FBI, Rhode Island State Police and U.S. Marshals followed new investigative leads that led them to New York.
WPRI reported that the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Apprehension Task Force received a credible tip on Fischer's whereabouts.
Agents contacted local authorities, according to the U.S. Marshals, and were able to locate Fischer aboard a 17-meter boat called “The Silver Lining,” registered under the alias Richard Graydon.
Authorities later intercepted the boat about an hour off the New Jersey coast, according to U.S. Marshals.
Fischer was found aboard the vessel and arrested without incident, the agency reported. He was transferred to New York and is now in the custody of US Marshals and local authorities. Rhode Island State Police shared a photo of Fischer in custody.
Wing Chau, U.S. Marshal for the District of Rhode Island, said the arrest “demonstrates that time does not erase responsibility.”
“Thanks to exceptional investigative work, extraordinary intelligence analysis, and impeccable interagency coordination, Fischer is finally in custody,” Chau stated. “We hope that today's arrest brings some justice and long-awaited closure to the victim and all those affected by these crimes.”