Judge Rules Man Charged with Rape, Who Allegedly Faked His Death to Escape the U.S., Will Face Trial

A Utah man accused of multiple sexual offenses, including rape, will face trial following a judge’s ruling despite his attempts to evade justice by faking his death.

Identity and Aliases

Nicholas Rossi, also known as Nicholas Alahverdian, is at the center of a complex legal battle. He has assumed various aliases, including Arthur Knight Brown, during his attempts to escape legal consequences. Rossi previously claimed to be an Irish orphan named Arthur Knight, a ruse employed to avoid detection by authorities.

Criminal Charges

The 35-year-old Rossi faces serious allegations stemming from a 2008 incident where he is accused of raping a 21-year-old woman in Orem, Utah. The investigation into Rossi did not commence until nearly a decade later, primarily due to a backlog of DNA test kits at the Utah State Crime Lab. In addition to rape charges, he faces accusations related to an assault that took place in Ohio in 2018, as well as multiple complaints of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and fraud in both Rhode Island and Ohio.

Faking Death

In a bizarre twist, Rossi allegedly orchestrated an elaborate deception, faking his own death in an effort to evade law enforcement. In February 2020, an obituary was published online, claiming he had succumbed to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, authorities later discovered that he was alive and residing in Scotland.

Discovery and Extradition

Rossi’s deception unraveled when he was hospitalized in Glasgow, Scotland, in December 2021 for COVID-19. His identity was confirmed when law enforcement matched his tattoos and fingerprints to an Interpol red notice that had been issued for his arrest. After several legal proceedings, he was extradited back to the United States to face the pending charges.

Court Appearances

Rossi’s court appearances have been marked by confusion and denial. During a recent video appearance in Utah, he disputed his true identity and claimed the allegations against him were based on hearsay. His courtroom demeanor has raised concerns; he appeared wearing an oxygen mask and utilizing a wheelchair. A judge in Edinburgh previously characterized him as dishonest and deceitful while approving his extradition.

Current Status

As of now, Rossi remains in custody without the prospect of posting bail and is currently awaiting trial. His legal representation is in question, as he claims that his attorney was not properly notified of an upcoming hearing, indicating some disarray in his defense strategy moving forward.

The case of Nicholas Rossi highlights not only the complexities of legal jurisdiction and international extradition but also the persistent challenges in addressing sexual offenses that occur over extended periods. As the trial approaches, many will be watching closely to see how this high-profile case unfolds in the coming months.