Ronald Fischer, a former anesthesiologist and one of Rhode Island's longest-wanted fugitives, was captured earlier this month after more than 20 years on the run. Authorities arrested Fischer aboard the 56-foot sailboat "Silver Lining" off the coast of New Jersey following a credible tip about his location.

Fischer had been living under the alias "Dr. Richard Graydon" during his time as a fugitive. He disappeared in 2005 amid a sexual assault trial in Rhode Island, where he faced accusations of sexually assaulting a woman aboard his boat at a Portsmouth marina in 2003.

On Thursday, July 30th, 2026, Fischer, 70, appeared before a judge in Newport Superior Court, Rhode Island, under his real name for the first time since fleeing justice. The court canceled an outstanding warrant related to his failure to appear for trial in April 2005, arraigned him on a bail-jumping charge, and set bail at $20,000 surety. During the hearing, Fischer appeared without an attorney as the court discussed appointing counsel.

This arrest ends a two-decade-long manhunt for one of America's most wanted fugitives, bringing Fischer back into the judicial system after years of evasion.

Sources