A man who spent over two decades evading law enforcement was taken into custody following a coordinated operation led by the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, according to a July 20 announcement.
Ronald L. Fischer, listed among Rhode Island’s Most Wanted fugitives, was apprehended after an intensive investigation involving multiple agencies. During the 48 hours prior to his arrest, Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers assigned to the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force pursued new leads about Fischer’s location with assistance from FBI Special Agents, intelligence analysts, and Rhode Island State Police. The investigation led authorities to New York, where they determined Fischer was operating a 56-foot sailing vessel registered under an alias. Law enforcement intercepted him offshore using a U.S. Coast Guard boat and took him into custody without incident.
Fischer had been wanted since fleeing Rhode Island during his criminal trial in 2005. He was convicted in absentia of first-degree sexual assault after failing to appear for trial and remained wanted for failure to appear, first-degree sexual assault, and flight to avoid prosecution. Following his arrest at sea, Fischer was transported aboard a Coast Guard vessel to Staten Island, where he was handed over to Deputy U.S. Marshals and local officials.
First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda said, “You can run, but you cannot hide from justice… 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, said, “For more than twenty years, Ronald Fischer believed he had successfully escaped justice… Thanks to outstanding investigative work… Fischer is finally in custody.” Colonel Darnell Weaver of the Rhode Island State Police said, “Their efforts demonstrate that those who seek to evade justice will not succeed…”
The operation involved cooperation between several agencies including the United States Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, Southern District of New York office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Rhode Island State Police, Portsmouth Police Department, and United States Coast Guard.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island enforces federal laws across all parts of the state through prosecutions and civil actions that protect public safety; it works closely with federal partners such as the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; it also promotes safer communities through programs like Elder Justice Program aimed at assisting vulnerable residents, according to its official website.
Authorities say this investigation remains ongoing with further information expected as court proceedings continue.