‘America’s Most Wanted’ Fugitive Arrested After Two Decades Under New Identity

A pharmaceutical executive who spent more than two decades building a successful career under an assumed identity was arrested earlier this month after authorities identified him as a fugitive convicted of rape who disappeared during his 2005 trial.

Dr. Richard Graydon, who was serving as chief medical officer at the Los Angeles biotech company Immix Biopharma, was arrested after investigators determined he was actually Ronald Fischer, an “America’s Most Wanted” fugitive who had been evading authorities for more than 20 years.

Immix shares fell roughly 10% after news of Fischer’s arrest, prompting investors to investigate whether the company failed to properly vet the executive before hiring him.

According to prosecutors, Fischer raped a woman aboard his yacht, the Lion King, while it was docked in a Rhode Island marina in 2003. He stood trial in 2005 but disappeared before the proceedings concluded. A jury later convicted him of first-degree sexual assault in his absence.

An affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital claims that before fleeing, Fischer gave his vehicles to his daughters, told them to clear their belongings out of his home, and disposed of a Jaguar.

The affidavit also says that Fischer emailed his attorney, Robert Mann, saying he did not wish to risk conviction but hoped to build “a good, safe, secure and comfortable life” either in the United States or abroad.

He then vanished.

Using the alias Richard Graydon, he spent the next two decades working at several pharmaceutical companies before eventually becoming an executive at Immix, according to investigators. 

His time on the run came to an end after authorities received a credible tip about his identity and used FBI intelligence analysis to pinpoint his location. Deputy U.S. marshals and U.S. Coast Guard personnel arrested him aboard his 56-foot yacht,  The Silver Lining, off the coast of New Jersey.

Fischer was arraigned before a Rhode Island judge, who set bail at $20,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 17. 

In addition to his first-degree sexual assault conviction, Fischer now faces a felony bail-jumping charge and a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

“This arrest demonstrates that time does not erase accountability,” Wing Chau, U.S. Marshal for the District of Rhode Island, said. “Thanks to outstanding investigative work, exceptional intelligence analysis, and seamless coordination between agencies, Fischer is finally in custody. We hope today’s arrest brings a measure of justice and long-awaited closure to the victim and everyone impacted by these crimes.”