A man accused of faking his own death to evade serious criminal charges has been convicted of rape in Utah. Nicholas Alahverdian, also known as Nicholas Rossi, was found guilty by a Salt Lake County jury after three days of compelling testimony. The jury began their deliberations on Wednesday, and the verdict comes as a significant development in a case that has garnered considerable media attention.
According to the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office, Alahverdian is scheduled for sentencing on October 20. He faces a potential prison term ranging from five years to life. District Attorney Sim Gill expressed gratitude towards the survivor for her bravery in coming forward, stating, “We appreciate her patience as we worked to bring the defendant back to Salt Lake County so that this trial could take place and she could get justice.”
The survivor testified about her harrowing experience, revealing that Alahverdian, whom she dated in 2008, became increasingly controlling after their engagement. She recounted that after removing her engagement ring and ending the relationship, she was assaulted by Alahverdian. This testimony was pivotal in the trial, highlighting the emotional and psychological trauma faced by survivors of sexual assault.
Alahverdian's defense attorney, MacKenzie Potter, argued that the allegations were akin to an “old puzzle from the thrift store,” suggesting that the victim’s story had inconsistencies and lacked verification. She claimed that the victim’s testimony had changed over time, raising questions about its reliability. However, the prosecution maintained that the evidence presented was compelling and corroborated the survivor's account.
Raised in Rhode Island’s foster care system, Alahverdian has a history of legal troubles, including previous accusations and convictions related to assault and sexual crimes. Notably, in 2010, he faced domestic assault charges in Massachusetts involving his then-wife. He ultimately pleaded no contest, receiving probation as a consequence.
In another instance from 2008 in Ohio, Alahverdian was accused of sexual assault by a woman he met online. Although he denied the allegations, he was convicted of public indecency and sexual imposition, which required him to register as a sex offender.
In addition to his conviction in Salt Lake County, Alahverdian is preparing for another rape trial scheduled in Utah County for September. This case involves similar allegations from a woman he dated after meeting on MySpace. The affidavit reveals that their relationship soured as Alahverdian became aggressive and financially irresponsible, ultimately leading to another alleged assault.
The legal journey of Nicholas Alahverdian serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding cases of sexual violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. As this situation develops, the courts will continue to play a crucial role in seeking justice for survivors.
