Rhode Island fugitive captured on sailboat after 20 years

Ronald L. Fischer, one of Rhode Island’s most wanted fugitives after fleeing a sexual assault trial in 2005, has been captured aboard a sailboat off the coast of New Jersey, authorities said Thursday.

Fischer, 70, had spent more than two decades on the run after leaving Rhode Island during his trial on a charge of first-degree sexual assault. He was accused of sexually assaulting a woman on his yacht in 2003 and was later convicted in absentia. Authorities said he was also convicted on charges tied to failing to appear and fleeing to avoid prosecution.

His case drew public attention for years. Rhode Island’s most wanted database described Fischer as a “master yachtsman,” a “world traveler” and a well-connected man from East Greenwich. The Guardian reported that the database listed at least 17 aliases for him. His case was also featured several times on the television program “America’s Most Wanted.”

According to WPRI, Fischer notified his attorney by email during the 2005 trial that he was leaving the United States. “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,” Fischer wrote, according to the station. “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.”

After his conviction, Fischer was sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 25 years, The Guardian reported. Authorities said he also faces federal and state charges of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution and failure to appear in court.

The break in the case came this week. The U.S. Marshals Service said the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force, the FBI, Rhode Island State Police and U.S. Marshals pursued newly developed leads over a 48-hour period that sent investigators to New York. WPRI reported that the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force had received a credible tip about Fischer’s whereabouts.

Investigators determined Fischer was aboard a 56-foot sailing vessel named the Silver Lining, which was registered under the alias Richard Graydon, authorities said. The Guardian reported that Richard Graydon had not previously been listed among Fischer’s known aliases.

Law enforcement officers worked with authorities in New York and intercepted the Silver Lining about an hour off the coast of New Jersey, the U.S. Marshals Service said. Fischer was found aboard the boat and arrested without incident. The Guardian, citing the marshals, reported that he surrendered without resisting when confronted.

Fischer was transported to New York and is in the custody of U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement, authorities said. Rhode Island State Police released a photo showing him in custody.

Wing Chau, the U.S. marshal for the District of Rhode Island, said the 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.”