Ronald Fischer, who had been on Rhode Island’s most-wanted list for two decades, has been apprehended by authorities. Fischer was convicted in absentia of raping a woman in 2003 and disappeared in 2005 while on trial, evading capture until Thursday.
US Marshals and the Coast Guard intercepted Fischer aboard a 56-foot sailboat named The Silver Lining, which was reportedly registered under an alias, Richard Graydon. The vessel was located approximately one hour offshore from New Jersey. Fischer was taken into custody without incident and transferred to Staten Island before being handed over to US Marshals and local police.
Fischer, a former doctor, was known to use multiple aliases and fake identities. He had a history of violence, having previously pleaded guilty to assaulting another woman, a conviction that led to the revocation of his medical license. He met the victim, Cheryl Gingrich, through an online dating ad in 2003. Fischer falsely advertised himself as a physician and shaved seven years off his age. Gingrich recalled in a police statement her fear during the assault, stating, "All I could think was, 'I’m alone at the bottom of this boat, and no one will hear me if I scream.'"
Gingrich, who spoke to media outlets in 2025, described the incident as having "changed the whole trajectory of her life" and noted she received treatment for PTSD. She characterized Fischer as an egotistical narcissist preoccupied with money and a luxurious lifestyle.
During his 2005 trial for the assault on Gingrich aboard his boat, The Lion King, Fischer emailed his lawyers expressing concerns about potential penalties, despite his belief in acquittal. "Although I believe my trial has gone very well, and expect to be acquitted and dismissed, the small chance of losing could carry extremely and unacceptably harsh penalties," he wrote. "I have therefore decided not to take the risk and to leave the US and enjoy life in another country where I have long been carefully planning a good, safe, secure and comfortable life."
The jury convicted Fischer in his absence, an event that Gingrich stated caused her to lose faith in the justice system. Rhode Island State Police had described Fischer as a "master yachtsman" and an internationally connected world traveler when he was placed on their most-wanted list.
"This arrest demonstrates that time does not erase accountability," said Wing Chau, US Marshal for the District of Rhode Island. "We hope today's arrest brings a measure of justice and long-awaited closure to the victim and everyone impacted by these crimes."
