After more than two decades as a fugitive, Ronald Fischer, 70, appeared in Newport Superior Court under his real name this week. Fischer had been living under the alias "Dr. Richard Graydon" since disappearing in April 2005, midway through his trial for sexual assault.
Fischer was arrested earlier this month aboard a 56-foot sailboat named "Silver Lining" off the coast of New Jersey. Investigators located him following a credible tip. His arrest ended one of Rhode Island's longest-running fugitive cases, according to the U.S. Marshals Service, which credited a multi-agency investigation and public assistance.
During a hearing on Monday, Fischer identified himself by his true name. A judge canceled an outstanding warrant for his alleged failure to appear in court and arraigned him on a bail-jumping charge, setting bail at $20,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 17.
Fischer was accused of sexually assaulting a woman aboard his boat at a Portsmouth marina in 2003. He was convicted in absentia and had been a frequent subject of "America's Most Wanted."
Investigators believe Fischer meticulously planned his disappearance. An affidavit details that he emailed his attorney on April 23, 2005, stating his intention to flee the country rather than face a potential conviction. Later that evening, he reportedly called his daughters to inform them of his departure from the United States. He is also alleged to have contacted a travel agency and purchased an airline ticket to London, though he later canceled the reservation before boarding the flight. Surveillance footage showed him returning a rental car in Boston shortly after midnight and walking away with two travel bags.
Evidence suggests Fischer spent the days before his vanishing act putting his affairs in order, including transferring vehicles to his daughters, instructing them to remove their belongings from his home, and disposing of a Jaguar. He allegedly emailed attorney Robert Mann, explaining his decision to leave the country for what he described as "a good, safe, secure and comfortable life."
Fischer now faces sentencing in the original sexual assault case, a felony bail-jumping charge, and a pending federal charge for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.