STAT+: A most-wanted fugitive appears to have been secretly working as a biotech executive

STAT PlusExclusive A most-wanted fugitive appears to have been secretly working as a biotech executive Ronald Fischer fled while on trial for sexual assault two decades ago Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Adam FeuersteinJuly 20, 2026 Adam Feuerstein, a senior writer and biotech columnist, is the author of Adam’s Biotech Scorecard, a subscriber-only newsletter about the crossroads of drug development, business, Wall Street, and biotechnology. Adam Feuerstein[email protected]Adam Feuerstein is a senior writer and biotech columnist, reporting on the crossroads of drug development, business, Wall Street, and biotechnology. He is also a co-host of the weekly biotech podcast The Readout Loud and author of the newsletter Adam’s Biotech Scorecard. You can reach Adam on Signal at stataf.54. One of Rhode Island’s most-wanted fugitives — a former doctor convicted of sexual assault but on the run for 20 years — appears to have been living a secret life as a biotech executive. Ronald Fischer, 70, was arrested last week by federal and Rhode Island authorities after they tracked and boarded a 56-foot sailboat cruising off the coast of New Jersey. The former anesthesiologist disappeared in 2005 while on trial for first-degree sexual assault.Advertisement The boat was registered under the name Richard Graydon, an alias used by Fischer, U.S. Marshals said. That is the same name as a doctor and seasoned drug development executive hired last March by Immix Biopharma, a Los Angeles-based biotech company, as its new chief medical officer. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In biotechnology, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Adam Feuerstein Senior Writer, Biotech Adam Feuerstein is a senior writer and biotech columnist, reporting on the crossroads of drug development, business, Wall Street, and biotechnology. He is also a co-host of the weekly biotech podcast The Readout Loud and author of the newsletter Adam’s Biotech Scorecard. You can reach Adam on Signal at stataf.54. STAT+ Newsletter Senior writer Adam Feuerstein's unfiltered, uncompromising analysis on the biotech world Recommended The Readout July 17, 2026 STAT Plus: The end for GSK’s chronic cough treatment Biotech July 17, 2026 STAT Plus: Can ultrasound unlock the power of gene therapy? A startup makes big claims Advertisement The Readout July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA approves Merck’s oral PCSK9 drug, a first Pharma July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: Kalshi comes for biopharma, with prediction markets for clinical trials and FDA approvals Biotech July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: Eli Lilly to acquire psychedelics-focused biotech AtaiBeckley Subscriber Picks