A long and dramatic chase has culminated in justice for the victims of Nicholas Rossi (also known as Nicholas Alahverdian), who was sentenced to five years to life in prison for one of two 2008 rape convictions in Utah. His elaborate attempts to evade capture, including faking his own death and fleeing the country, have finally been brought to an end by persistent authorities and advancements in forensic science.
The intricate and dramatic case of Nicholas Rossi, the man who faked his own death and embarked on an international flight from justice, reached a significant milestone this week. On Monday, October 20, 2025, Rossi, 38, received an indeterminate sentence of five years to life in prison for one of two rape convictions stemming from incidents in northern Utah in 2008. The sentencing, handed down by District Judge Barry Lawrence in Salt Lake City, marks the beginning of his accountability after years of evasion and deceit. He is scheduled for a second sentencing on November 4 for the other conviction, which also carries a potential term of five years to life.
The Elaborate Web of Deception and International Manhunt
Rossi’s journey from alleged perpetrator to convicted felon is a testament to the persistence of law enforcement and the unraveling of a complex web of lies. His legal name, Nicholas Alahverdian, became known to authorities in 2018 when a decade-old DNA rape kit connected him to one of the 2008 cases. This breakthrough was part of Utah’s concerted effort to clear its extensive backlog of untested rape kits, which ultimately led to thousands of suspects being identified and charged, as reported by The Associated Press.
Months after being identified and charged, Rossi attempted his most audacious escape. In February 2020, an online obituary surfaced, falsely claiming he had died of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, police in his home state of Rhode Island, along with former associates, quickly cast doubt on the claim. This elaborate ruse was seemingly designed to halt the burgeoning legal proceedings against him. Authorities allege he previously fled to Britain or Ireland in 2017 to escape mounting legal pressures, including fraud charges in Ohio and a warrant in Rhode Island for failing to register as a sex offender.
The Arrest in Scotland and the ‘Arthur Knight’ Identity
Rossi’s carefully constructed facade began to crumble in 2021. He was arrested in Scotland while receiving treatment for COVID-19 at a Glasgow hospital. Hospital staff recognized his distinctive tattoos, including the crest of Brown University inked on his shoulder (despite never attending the institution), from an Interpol notice. This crucial identification led to his capture and the start of a prolonged extradition battle.
During his extradition proceedings, Rossi vehemently denied his true identity, insisting he was an Irish orphan named Arthur Knight who was being framed. Investigators, however, identified at least a dozen aliases he had used over the years in his efforts to evade capture. His insistence on this false identity captivated international media, with a streaming series even being produced about his bizarre case, according to the USA TODAY Network. He was eventually extradited to Utah in January 2024, finally admitting his true identity in November 2024 while seeking bail, claiming his deceptions were to protect himself from alleged death threats, not to evade justice.
A Pattern of Abuse: The 2008 Rape Convictions
The two rape convictions stem from separate incidents in 2008, painting a disturbing picture of Rossi’s conduct. In the case for which he was sentenced this week, the victim testified that she met Rossi through a Craigslist personal ad. Their relationship quickly escalated, leading to an engagement within weeks. However, Rossi soon began to exploit her financially, asking her to pay for dates, car repairs, and even demanding $1,000 to avoid eviction, pushing her to take on debt for engagement rings.
The victim, who was recovering from a traumatic brain injury at the time, described how Rossi grew hostile before raping her in his bedroom after she drove him home. She came forward to police years later, after hearing that Rossi was accused of raping another woman around the same time in Utah. This interconnectedness of victims seeking justice underscores the importance of ongoing investigations and victim support systems.
The second conviction, for which sentencing is pending, involved a different woman in Orem. She had gone to Rossi’s apartment to collect money she said he had stolen from her to buy a computer, only to be attacked. The Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill highlighted the severity of Rossi’s actions, stating, “While justice may have been slow, the defendant was convicted and now sentenced to prison, consistent with the harm he caused to our survivor. She can rest assured he did not escape punishment.”
Judge’s Condemnation and Rossi’s Persistent Denial
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Barry Lawrence did not mince words, labeling Rossi a “serial abuser of women” and “the very definition of a flight risk.” Despite appearing in court in a wheelchair and using an oxygen tank, prosecutors successfully argued against bail, emphasizing his history of evasion. The victim in the sentenced case delivered a powerful statement to the court, describing the “trail of fear, pain and destruction” Rossi left behind and pleading for “safety and accountability, for recognition of the damage that will never fully heal.”
Even after being found guilty by jurors in both August and September trials, Rossi maintained his innocence. Given the opportunity to speak before his sentencing, he asserted in a soft, raspy voice, “I am not guilty of this. These women are lying.” His unwavering denial, even in the face of overwhelming evidence and conviction, adds another layer to his persona as someone deeply entrenched in deception.
Beyond Utah: A History of Legal Troubles
Rossi’s legal entanglements extend beyond the Utah rape cases. He grew up in foster homes in Rhode Island and later became an outspoken critic of the state’s child welfare system. Before his apparent death, he was wanted in Rhode Island for failing to register as a sex offender. The FBI also states he faces fraud charges in Ohio, where he was convicted of sex-related charges in 2008. These past offenses provide crucial context, indicating a long-standing pattern of criminal behavior and attempts to evade legal consequences.
The indeterminate sentencing of five years to life means that a state parole board will ultimately determine Nicholas Rossi’s release date, rather than a fixed term. This type of sentencing in Utah, a first-degree felony, offers a wide range of possibilities, reflecting the gravity of the crime and the need for ongoing assessment of public safety risks.
For survivors of sexual violence, resources like the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline offer confidential support at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
