Rhode Island fugitive captured aboard yacht after two decades

Rhode Island fugitive convicted of sexual assault in absentia has been arrested aboard a sailboat off the New Jersey coast after evading authorities for more than two decades.

Ronald L. Fischer, a former anaesthesiologist and one of Rhode Island's most wanted fugitives, was taken into custody without incident after law enforcement tracked him to a 56-foot sailboat named The Silver Lining, authorities said.

Fischer fled Rhode Island in 2005 while standing trial on charges that he sexually assaulted a woman aboard his yacht in 2003. Despite his disappearance, he was convicted in absentia of first-degree sexual assault, as well as failure to appear and flight to avoid prosecution.

Multi-agency operation led to arrest at sea

The U.S. Marshals Service said investigators from the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force, FBI, Rhode Island State Police and U.S. Marshals developed new leads during a 48-hour investigation that led them to New York.

Authorities located Fischer aboard The Silver Lining, which was reportedly registered under the alias Richard Graydon, before intercepting the vessel about an hour off the New Jersey coast.

He was arrested without incident and transported to New York, where he remains in the custody of U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement.

Long-time fugitive dubbed 'master yachtsman'

Before his arrest, Rhode Island authorities described Fischer as a "well-connected" "master yachtsman" and "world traveler." His case was also featured multiple times on America's Most Wanted.

Wing Chau, U.S. Marshal for the District of Rhode Island, said the arrest sends a clear message that "time does not erase accountability."

He praised the "outstanding investigative work, exceptional intelligence analysis, and seamless coordination between agencies" that led to Fischer's capture, adding, "We hope today's arrest brings a measure of justice and long-awaited closure to the victim and everyone impacted by these crimes."