Man on the run, suspected of feigning his own demise to evade US authorities, convicted for sexually assaulting ex-partner in a separate incident.
In a case that spans over a decade, Nicholas Rossi, also known as Nicholas Alahverdian, was convicted of first-degree felony rape in Utah in 2008. The conviction came after authorities identified Rossi from a decade-old DNA rape kit in 2018, and following his extradition from Scotland in January 2024.
The relationship between Rossi and the victim, who met online while she was recovering from a brain injury, progressed quickly. They were engaged just two weeks after meeting. However, the prosecution portrayed Rossi as a charming but manipulative man who raped the victim after she resisted his controlling behavior.
The trial also revealed financial exploitation during their month-long relationship. The victim recalled being asked to pay for dates, Rossi's car repairs, engagement rings, and even had to lend him $1,000 to avoid eviction.
The victim did not come forward at the time due to her parents' dismissive response. It was only years later, after seeing a news report stating that Rossi was accused of another rape, that she decided to come forward.
Rossi had previously faked his death in 2020 while facing charges including failing to register as a sex offender and fraud investigations. His fake death delayed the legal process until he was located and arrested in Scotland. After finally admitting to faking his death during bail hearings, he faced trial in Utah and was convicted.
In August 2022, a Salt Lake County jury found him guilty after a three-day trial where the victim and her parents testified, and Rossi declined to testify on his own behalf. The first-degree felony rape charge carries a penalty of five years to life in prison in Utah.
Rossi is scheduled for sentencing on October 20, 2025. He is also set to stand trial in September 2025 for another Utah County rape. The Salt Lake County District Attorney, Sim Gill, expressed gratitude to the survivor for coming forward.
However, Rossi continues to claim he is not the person charged in the Utah rape cases.
References:
- Utah man extradited from Scotland in 2008 rape case
- Man charged in Utah rape case faked his own death
- Nicholas Rossi found guilty of 2008 Utah rape
- Man convicted of 2008 Utah rape after faking his death
- Survivor testifies in Utah rape trial of Nicholas Rossi
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