Fugitive who spent decades on the run makes first court appearance since he was captured abord his sailboat

Ronald L. Fischer returned to Newport County Superior Court on Monday for his first court appearance since being captured on July 16 aboard his 56-foot sailboat, The Silver Lining, in waters near New York City. The former East Greenwich anesthesiologist fled Rhode Island during his 2005 trial for first-degree sexual assault, when a jury convicted him in absentia. Judge William E. Carnes, Jr. cancelled outstanding warrants, arraigned Fischer on bail jumping, and set $20,000 surety bail. Fischer, 70, pleaded not guilty through no attorney present and remains held without bail for the conviction and bail violation.