Most Wanted Fugitive Captured After 20 Years on the Run, Disguised as Biotech Executive

The details surrounding Richard Graydon’s 20-year career remain murky, but police have identified over a dozen pseudonyms he employed. His profile revealed him to be “an accomplished sailor, world traveler, and internationally connected individual,” with a notable appearance on the television show America’s Most Wanted Criminal.

Biotechnology Career of Richard Graydon

In 2017, Stat reported that Richard Graydon self-published a book titled: Genetic Risk of Cancer: The Impact of DNA, Genomics, and Heredity on Aging and Survival. In this publication, Graydon is described as an oncologist with a background as a chief medical officer in the biotechnology and drug development sector; however, the book has no reviews on Amazon.

In October 2022, Seattle-based biotechnology firm Atossa Therapeutics hired Richard Graydon as Interim Chief Medical Officer. CEO Stephen Key expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Richard to Atossa, where his deep experience in CAR-T cell therapy aligns well with our current strategic direction as we explore opportunities in cell therapy.”

In March, Imix Bio announced the hiring of Graydon, describing him as “a board-certified hematology-oncologist with over 20 years of clinical development experience.” His recent work included leading drug applications for seven approved medications at Merck & Company and Johnson & Johnson, such as Darzalex, Calvicti, Keytruda, and Imbruvica—some of the world’s top-selling cancer drugs.

The announcement noted, “Dr. Graydon received his MD and PhD from Stanford University and trained at Harvard University’s Massachusetts General Hospital.” However, Stat could not verify this information, and Immix did not respond to requests for comments.

Graydon, who also goes by Fisher, was apprehended on July 16 while aboard a 56-foot sailboat named Light of Hope in the East River, New York. U.S. Marshals and the U.S. Coast Guard seized the vessel and took Mr. Fisher into custody without incident.

In a recent SEC filing regarding Graydon’s termination, the biotechnology firm Imix stated, “Given his short tenure, management does not believe there will be a material impact on the business.”