Nicholas Rossi Trial Underway: Alleged Victim Testifies Against Man Accused of Faking Death to Evade Rape Charges

Salt Lake City, UT – The high-profile jury trial of Nicholas Rossi, also known as Nicholas Alahverdian, commenced this week in Utah, with an alleged victim confronting the man accused of faking his own death and fleeing the U.S. to escape rape charges. Rossi, 38, is facing charges of sexually assaulting two women in Utah in 2008, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

The first of two separate trials began Monday, August 11, 2025, in Salt Lake County. Rossi, who was extradited from Scotland in January 2024 after being recognized at a Glasgow hospital in 2021, appeared in court in a wheelchair, wearing a suit and tie, and using an oxygen tank. He had previously claimed to be an Irish orphan named Arthur Knight and fought extradition, asserting he had never been to America.

Prosecutors detailed a pattern of aliases used by Rossi to evade capture and painted a picture of an intelligent individual who exploited a vulnerable young woman. The alleged victim, whose identity is being protected, testified about a rapid and controlling relationship with Rossi in late 2008, which she described as culminating in a sexual assault after she attempted to end their engagement.

She recounted how Rossi allegedly forced her onto his bed and sexually assaulted her, leaving her paralyzed with fear. Despite not reporting the incident to police at the time due to dismissive comments from her parents, she is now seeking justice. The defense, however, attempted to discredit her testimony, suggesting her accusations stemmed from resentment over financial exploitation during their brief relationship.

District Judge Barry Lawrence clarified the complex case details for the jury, including Rossi’s multiple identities. Both the defense and prosecution agreed on Rossi’s presence in Utah in 2008 and his relationship with the testifying woman. Rossi is also slated to face a second rape trial in Utah County in September.

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