A longtime fugitive wanted in Rhode Island was arrested last week off the coast of New Jersey after living under an assumed identity for more than two decades, federal authorities said. Ronald L. Fischer, who had been using the alias Richard Graydon, had cultivated a seemingly successful life as a biotechnology executive in Los Angeles, while evading capture for over 20 years.
Fischer’s real identity was revealed following a joint operation involving the U.S. Marshals Service, the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Authorities located Fischer aboard his 56-foot yacht, Silver Lining, where he was taken into custody. According to officials, Fischer had been a fugitive since fleeing his 2005 rape trial in Rhode Island. He was convicted in absentia of first-degree sexual assault related to a 2003 incident aboard a yacht named Lion King, after which an arrest warrant was issued.
“You can run, but you cannot hide from justice,” said Charles C. Calenda, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island. “Ronald Fischer will now return to Rhode Island to face the consequences he sought to evade for more than 20 years.” Wing Chau, U.S. marshal for the District of Rhode Island, emphasized the persistence of law enforcement, stating that despite Fischer’s belief he had eluded capture, authorities remained committed to holding him accountable.
Fischer had long appeared on Rhode Island’s Most Wanted list, with multiple aliases and descriptions characterizing him as a former anesthesiologist, master yachtsman, and world traveler. Under the name Richard Graydon, he was employed as an executive at Immix Biopharma, a West Los Angeles biotechnology company, according to reports citing law enforcement sources.
Immix Biopharma disclosed in a recent Securities and Exchange Commission filing that it terminated Graydon’s employment on July 17, shortly before his arrest, citing reasons unrelated to his activities at the company. The company did not respond to requests for comment. However, the news of Fischer’s arrest has prompted scrutiny of Immix Biopharma’s hiring and oversight practices. The Portnoy Law Firm, representing investors in the company, announced an inquiry into whether Immix or its leadership violated federal securities laws by employing Fischer under an assumed identity.
Cheryl Gingrich, the victim in the 2003 assault case, told a North Carolina news outlet that she had focused on healing from the trauma while Fischer remained at large. She recalled the last time she saw him in court as he appeared calm and smug. “Now I’ll be able to do the same to him,” she said, expressing relief at his capture.
Federal authorities have signaled Fischer’s swift return to Rhode Island to face pending charges, underscoring the message that fugitives cannot evade justice indefinitely.