East Greenwich man disappears from rape trial
NEWPORT, R.I. A man on trial for sexual assault wasn't in court yesterday and told his lawyers in an e-mail that he was leaving the country. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of 49 year old Ronald Fischer of East Greenwich, who had been free on bail and was on trial in Newport County Superior Court.
Fischer's lawyers got an e-mail message Saturday in which their client said he wasn't coming back to court.
He told them he expects to be acquitted, but was worried about "extremely and unacceptably harsh penalties" if he is convicted.
Fischer's message said he would be living in another country.
The former Boston anesthesiologist is accused of first-degree sexual assault for allegedly attacking a woman aboard his yacht.
The case is expected to go to the jury today.
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