Fugitive Eludes Capture for Two Decades, Found as Biotech Leader

WHO:

Ars Technica - Ronald L. Fischer, also known as Richard Graydon, was arrested.

Fox News - Fischer is 69 years old and was a former anesthesiologist.

WHAT:

Ars Technica - Fischer was arrested in New York.

Fox News - Fischer was captured aboard a 56-foot sailboat named "Silver Lining" off the New Jersey coast after spending more than two decades on the run.

Fox News - Fischer was found guilty of first-degree sexual assault after fleeing during his trial in Rhode Island.

Fox News - Authorities spent over 20 years searching for Fischer before his capture.

WHERE:

Ars Technica - Fischer was arrested in New York.

Fox News - Fischer was captured off the New Jersey coast.

Fox News - Fischer disappeared during a trial in Rhode Island.

WHEN:

Fox News - Fischer disappeared during his trial in April 2005.

Fox News - Fischer was captured on a Thursday, though the specific date is not provided.

WHY:

Fox News - Fischer decided to flee to avoid being convicted in state court, as indicated in an email to his attorney.

HOW:

Fox News - Fischer prepared for his disappearance by emailing his attorney, canceling a flight to London, and disposing of a vehicle.

Fox News - Investigators found literature in Fischer's home on how to change identities and disappear.

Fox News - Fischer was living under the alias Richard Graydon since at least 2017.

Fox News - The FBI and U.S. Marshals Service captured Fischer after receiving a tip from an online sleuth.

(UPDATED July 22, 2026 00:14 UTC)

Ronald L. Fischer, also known as Richard Graydon, was arrested in New York after spending over two decades on the run, having been found guilty of first-degree sexual assault. He was captured aboard a 56-foot sailboat named "Silver Lining" off the New Jersey coast, following an extensive search by authorities that began when he fled during his trial in Rhode Island in April 2005. Investigators discovered that Fischer had been living under an alias since at least 2017 and had prepared for his disappearance by disposing of a vehicle and researching how to change identities.