A fugitive doctor who fled Rhode Island during his 2005 rape trial has been apprehended after more than 20 years on the run. Ronald L. Fischer, 70, was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals on Thursday, ending a manhunt that spanned over two decades.

Investigators tracked Fischer to a 56-foot sailboat named 'The Silver Lining' near the New York-New Jersey coastline. Agents intercepted the vessel offshore and arrested Fischer without incident. He was found to be using the alias Richard Graydon, one of several identities investigators believe he employed while evading law enforcement.

During a search of Fischer's sailboat, authorities discovered books on how to evade law enforcement. He had also reportedly used an 'onion router' to conceal his IP addresses. Fischer, a former anesthesiologist, disappeared in 2005 while on trial for allegations of sexually assaulting Cheryl Gingerich, then 46, aboard his yacht.

Gingerich testified that the assault occurred on Fischer's boat, the 'Lion King,' docked in Portsmouth Marina, during their first date after meeting online. In 2005, Fischer sent an email to his attorneys stating he was leaving the United States to avoid conviction and planned to establish a new life abroad.

Ronald L. Fischer, 70, was captured on July 16 after a 21 year manhunt after he vanished from his sexual assault trial in 2005

Despite fleeing, Fischer was convicted in absentia of first-degree sexual assault and remained wanted for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Authorities had described him as a skilled sailor with international connections who had used multiple aliases. He was also featured multiple times on 'America's Most Wanted.'

Ronald Fischer was convicted in absentia of first-degree sexual assault in Rhode Island after fleeing his 2005 trial

The arrest followed a coordinated operation involving the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force, the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and the Coast Guard, after investigators received new information about his location. Fingerprints taken from Fischer by the Marshals Service and analyzed by the FBI confirmed his identity. He was arraigned in Manhattan on Friday and waived extradition.

Fischer was arraigned in Manhattan on Friday, as per NBC's reports that according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, he was 'remanded and waived extradition.

U.S. Marshal for the District of Rhode Island, Wing Chau, stated, "This arrest demonstrates that time does not erase accountability." Cheryl Gingerich told WPRI that she too was celebrating the arrest, noting that the incident had significantly impacted her life, causing her to live in fear and abandon her career.