A "master yachtsman" who evaded justice for more than two decades after fleeing a sexual assault trial in Rhode Island was arrested Thursday on a sailboat off the coast of New Jersey, authorities said.
Background of the Case
Ronald L. Fischer, 70, was convicted in absentia in 2005 for first-degree sexual assault of a woman on his yacht in 2003. He was sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 25 years. Fischer had been one of Rhode Island's most wanted fugitives and was featured on America's Most Wanted.
During his trial, Fischer emailed his attorney stating he planned to leave the US, writing: "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."
Capture Details
Investigators discovered Fischer was operating a 56-foot sailing vessel named Silver Lining under the alias Richard Graydon. On Thursday, authorities intercepted the vessel about an hour off New Jersey's coast. Fischer surrendered without resistance, according to the US Marshals Service.
The marshals noted that new leads emerged just two days prior, which were rapidly analyzed and deemed credible. Fischer now faces additional federal and state charges for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution and failure to appear in court.
Statements from Authorities
Rhode Island US Marshal Wing Chau stated: "For more than 20 years, Ronald Fischer believed he had successfully escaped justice. But thanks to outstanding investigative work, exceptional intelligence analysis and seamless coordination between agencies, Fischer is finally in custody." He added that the arrest brings "a measure of justice and long-awaited closure to the victim and everyone affected by these crimes."
