Fugitive on the run for 20 years caught working as biotech executive
Most-wanted criminal arrested while hiding in plain sight in the biotech industry.
1Long-time fugitive
Richard Graydon had been a wanted fugitive for 20 years. Police records showed he used multiple aliases and was described as a 'master yachtsman and world traveler.' He had even appeared on America's Most Wanted.
2Biotech career
Graydon self-published a book in 2017 presenting himself as an oncologist. In 2022, he joined Atossa Therapeutics as interim chief medical officer. The CEO highlighted Graydon's experience in CAR-T cell therapy.
3High-profile hiring
In March 2023, Immix announced hiring Graydon, portraying him as a hematologist-oncologist with experience at Merck and Johnson & Johnson, claiming he worked on cancer drugs like Darzalex during his career.
4Credentials questioned
Immix's announcement stated Graydon held MD and PhD degrees from Stanford and trained at Harvard. However, Stat News couldn't verify these claims, and the company declined to comment on the discrepancies.
5Arrest at sea
Graydon was captured on July 16 while sailing his 56-foot yacht 'The Silver Lining' on New York's East River. US Marshals and Coast Guard personnel took him into custody without incident during the maritime operation.
6Industry implications
Immix stated in SEC filings that Graydon's brief tenure wouldn't materially affect operations. However, this incident has reignited discussions about background checks in the biotech executive hiring processes.