Trigger Warning: This article contains references to the alleged sexual abuse that some readers may find distressing.

Ronald L. Fischer was arrested this week after spending more than 21 years as a fugitive, having fled during his 2005 trial on charges of first-degree s*xual assault in Rhode Island.

His email to his attorney just days before closing arguments read, “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. 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,” as reported by The Guardian.

The case, which proceeded in his absence, stemmed from a 2003 incident aboard his yacht docked in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. He also landed on the list of Rhode Island’s most wanted fugitives. Although he was never formally sentenced, he will now be sentenced following his extradition to Rhode Island.

A database maintained on the former fugitive revealed that he used about 17 aliases and was a “world traveler” and “master yachtsman.” He was a native of East Greenwich, Rhode Island.

Wing Chau, the Rhode Island US marshal, said in a statement following his arrest, “This arrest demonstrates that time does not erase accountability,” and the arrest was the result of “outstanding investigative work, exceptional intelligence analysis, and seamless coordination between agencies.” He said, “We hope [Fischer’s] arrest brings a measure of justice and long-awaited closure to the victim and everyone [affected] by these crimes.”

Fischer, according to sources, was nabbed on the Silver Lining, a yacht that he had been operating under the alias Richard Graydon. State agencies were able to move against the former anesthesiologist on Thursday, when he allegedly surrendered without resisting. He was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution and presented in court on Friday, where he waived his right to a formal extradition hearing. He will be transported to Rhode Island by the end of this month.

Online reactions to the matter have applauded law enforcement for finally apprehending Fischer. One user online said, “To say you’re gonna go live a comfortable life while the victim is changed forever is disgusting. Hope he rots.” Another user stated, “I hate this. My dad is a retired anesthesiologist whom I love and respect dearly. Then there’s this guy. Man.” A third comment online noted, “Fischer fled and got 21 years of freedom. His original sentence for rape was 25 years in prison before he could apply for parole. So he will now die in prison.”

Disclaimer: The Inquisitr could not independently confirm the facts of this incident and is reporting based on the information available.