Provo, Utah — In a significant legal development, Nicholas Rossi, a convicted serial sex offender who previously faked his death and lived under a false identity in Scotland, has been sentenced to a consecutive prison term of five years to life for a second rape conviction in Utah County.

Background and Legal Proceedings

Rossi, 38, was found guilty in September 2025 of raping a woman in Orem in 2008, several years after the crime originally occurred. This conviction followed his earlier guilty verdict for rape in Salt Lake County, announced just weeks prior.

The Utah State Fourth District Court judge, Derek Pullan, ordered that Rossi’s sentences run consecutively, meaning the second five years to life sentence will begin after the completion of the first. Rossi was credited for time already served during custody.

Details of the Crime and Trial

The victim in the Utah County case testified that she ended a relationship with Rossi due to his aggressive behavior and failure to repay money he owed her. She recounted how Rossi lured her to his home in September 2008 under the pretense of repayment but instead sexually assaulted her.

The case was revisited years later after a backlog in forensic testing linked DNA evidence from a rape kit to Rossi. He was charged in 2020, though he had fled the country and lived under the alias Arthur Knight in Scotland before being extradited back to the United States in 2023.

Prosecutor’s Statement and Victims’ Impact

Deputy Utah County Attorney Stephen Jones hailed the second sentencing as “a significant victory” for victims of sexual assault statewide, emphasizing that juries do convict based on credible victim testimony.

Both victims spoke during the sentencing, describing enduring emotional trauma and highlighting Rossi’s long-term impact on their lives.

Rossi’s Defense and Future Legal Actions

During sentencing, Rossi denied the allegations and accused the victims of fabricating claims. He voiced his intention to appeal the convictions. His defense lawyer argued for concurrent sentencing due to Rossi’s health issues and time served but was opposed by prosecutors.

Broader Legal Context and Other Charges

Nicholas Rossi, also known as Nicholas Alahverdian, faces additional legal challenges outside Utah, including domestic violence complaints in Rhode Island and fraud charges in Ohio. His case has drawn national attention due to his efforts to evade justice by faking his death.

For more information on Utah’s judicial system and sexual assault resources, visit the Utah Courts and Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault (UCASA).