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Nicholas Rossi Sentenced to 5 Years to Life in Utah Rape Case

Utah’s indeterminate system leaves any release to the parole board following his 2008 rape case.

Overview

  • The sentence covers his Salt Lake County conviction, with a separate sentencing for a second 2008 rape set for Nov. 4.
  • Judge Barry Lawrence called him “the very definition of a flight risk” and imposed prison after weighing aggravating factors cited by prosecutors.
  • Survivors delivered statements describing lasting trauma and fear of retaliation, while Rossi maintained his innocence and said he will appeal.
  • A 2018 DNA match from Utah’s rape kit backlog linked Rossi to the case, reviving a cold investigation that led to charges.
  • After being charged, he allegedly faked his death, used aliases including “Arthur Knight,” was identified by tattoos at a Glasgow hospital, and was extradited in January 2024.