Nicholas Rossi: Faked Death, Rape Charges, and a Five-Year Prison Sentence
Nicholas Rossi, a 38-year-old American man, has been sentenced to a minimum of five years in prison after faking his death and fleeing to Scotland to evade serious rape charges. This sentence marks the first of two he faces, stemming from separate convictions in August and September for raping two women back in 2008.
In Utah, the legal framework allows for "indeterminate sentencing," which means that prison terms are given as a range of years instead of a fixed duration. The release dates are determined by the state’s parole board, making the future uncertain for Rossi.
The Trial and Victim Statements
During the three-day trial in August, the courage of Rossi’s accuser and her family was evident as they took the stand. The victim articulated the profound impact of Rossi’s actions, describing how he left behind a "trail of fear, pain, and destruction." She emphasized that her testimony was not a quest for vengeance but rather a plea for safety, accountability, and acknowledgment of the lasting damage caused.
Prosecutor Brandon Simmons highlighted Rossi’s manipulative behaviors, stating that he “uses rape to control women” and poses a significant risk to community safety. Despite the evidence against him, Rossi, whose legal name is Nicholas Alahverdian, maintained his innocence, claiming, “I am not guilty of this. These women are lying.”
How Nicholas Rossi Was Caught
Rossi first came to the attention of law enforcement in 2018 when a decade-old DNA rape kit was tested, leading to charges. However, in February 2020, after being charged, a false obituary claimed he had died from non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
In a twist of fate, Rossi was apprehended in Scotland in 2021 while receiving treatment for COVID-19. Hospital staff recognized him due to his distinctive tattoos, including one representing a university he never attended.
After a lengthy legal battle, Rossi was extradited back to the U.S. in January 2024. He had initially claimed to be an Irish orphan named Arthur Knight, alleging he was being framed. Investigators discovered at least a dozen aliases he had used over the years to avoid capture.
The Victim’s Story
One of Rossi’s victims had been recovering from a traumatic brain injury when she responded to a personal ad he posted on Craigslist. Their relationship escalated quickly, leading to an engagement within weeks. Testifying in court, she recounted how Rossi manipulated her by asking her to finance their dates, car repairs, and even take on debt for their engagement rings. The situation turned violent when he raped her one night after she drove him home, prompting her to report the incident years later upon learning that another woman had also come forward with allegations against him.
Upcoming Sentencing
Rossi is scheduled for sentencing on his second conviction in November, which adds another layer to this already complex case. The legal proceedings have sparked discussions around the importance of accountability and the ongoing fight for justice for survivors of sexual violence.
For more updates on this case and related news, stay tuned.
