Alleged rapist, previously accused of feigning his own demise and absconding from America, encountered by accuser in Utah court
In a shocking turn of events, Nicholas Rossi, also known as Nicholas Alahverdian, was found guilty of rape in a Salt Lake County court in Utah. The conviction stems from a 2008 incident where Rossi is accused of sexually assaulting and raping two women.
Rossi, who grew up in foster homes in Rhode Island, made headlines in 2020 when he claimed to have terminal cancer and faked his own death. An obituary was published, and he fled to the UK, assuming a new identity as an Irish orphan named Arthur Knight. However, his tattoos were recognized by hospital staff in Scotland, leading to his arrest in late 2021.
Rossi initially denied his identity and claimed to be someone else, but he eventually admitted to being Rossi during the court proceedings. He was extradited back to the U.S. in January 2024 to face trial on the rape charges.
The trial, which took place in August-September 2025, was marked by allegations of manipulation, physical assault, and controlling behavior. Prosecutors highlighted Rossi's use of charm and control over vulnerable women. The victim, who testified in court, described feeling paralyzed with fear during the alleged assault.
Rossi used multiple aliases over the years to evade capture, and prosecutors have identified at least a dozen. One of his aliases, Arthur Knight, was used while he was in Scotland receiving treatment for COVID-19, where he was recognized and extradited to Utah in January 2024.
Rossi is facing another rape charge in Utah County and will stand trial in September. His conviction in the Salt Lake County case marks a significant step in bringing justice for the victims and holding him accountable for his actions.
Timeline and key case details:
- 2008: Rossi allegedly sexually assaulted and raped two women in Utah.
- January 2020: Rossi claimed he had late-stage lymphoma and was declared legally dead; an obituary appeared.
- Late 2021: Tracked down and arrested in a Glasgow hospital after staff recognized his tattoos.
- January 2024: Extradited to the U.S.; initially denied his identity in court but later admitted to being Rossi.
- August-September 2025: Trial took place in Salt Lake County Utah; Rossi was convicted of rape after a three-day jury trial.
The case against Rossi is not the first time he has been accused of manipulative and abusive behavior. Dismissive comments from her parents prevented one of the victims from reporting the incident to the police at the time. The woman who testified had a relationship with Rossi in 2008, as confirmed by both the defense and prosecution.
Nicholas Rossi has pleaded not guilty to the charges, but his conviction in the Salt Lake County case marks a significant step in bringing justice for the victims and holding him accountable for his actions.
- Intriguing news about the Salt Lake County trial revealed Nicholas Rossi's conviction for rape underUtah law, stemming from a 2008 incident involving two women.
- The case against war-and-conflicts and crime-and-justice offender Nicholas Rossi has sparked media attention, with prosecutors presenting evidence of manipulation and control during the trial.
- The Salt Lake County court's verdict on the general-news case, which focused on politics and control behavior, marks a significant milestone in bringing justice for the victims and ensuring Rossi's accountability.
