NEW YORK, NY — Law enforcement authorities say one of Rhode Island’s most-wanted fugitives has been captured after spending more than 20 years evading arrest. Dr. Ronald Fischer was taken into custody off the coast of New York and New Jersey after investigators followed fresh leads to a sailboat at sea.
Two sources familiar with the case said the arrest ended a long search tied to allegations dating back to 2003. Fischer had been sought in connection with a rape allegation and later for failing to appear in court and fleeing prosecution.
How did investigators track Fischer to the coastline?
Authorities said U.S. Marshals worked with the FBI and Rhode Island police over a two-day span beginning Tuesday as they pursued new information about Fischer’s location. Those leads pointed investigators toward New York waters.
U.S. Marshals and the Coast Guard then found Fischer aboard a 56-foot sailboat named The Silver Lining, reportedly about an hour from the New York and New Jersey coastline. Officials said the vessel was registered under the name Richard Graydon, an alias investigators say Fischer used.
What charges and convictions are tied to the case?
Investigators said Fischer was wanted for allegedly raping a woman on his boat, Lion King, in 2003. He later fled Rhode Island during his criminal trial in 2005.
According to officials, Fischer was convicted in absentia of first-degree sexual assault. He had also been wanted on charges related to failing to appear and flight to avoid prosecution.
Where is Fischer being held now?
Law enforcement officials said Fischer was taken into custody by the Coast Guard and then transferred to U.S. Marshals. He was being held in Manhattan as authorities processed the next steps in the case.
A senior official said investigators were still determining whether Fischer should first appear in federal court on the absconding matter or in New York state court for extradition proceedings back to Rhode Island.
What do officials say the arrest means?
Wing Chau, the U.S. marshal for the District of Rhode Island, said the case showed that time does not eliminate accountability. He said Fischer had believed for more than two decades that he had escaped justice.
Chau credited the arrest to investigative work, intelligence analysis and coordination among agencies. For Rhode Island authorities, the capture closes a search that stretched across state lines and lasted for more than 20 years.
Bronxville News keeps New York and the region covered, day and night.