SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A judge has sentenced Nicholas Rossi, a 38-year-old man from Rhode Island, to a minimum of five years and potentially up to life in prison for raping two women in northern Utah back in 2008. Rossi's sentencing on Monday comes after he was convicted in August and September of raping the victims, who both described how his actions impacted their lives, with one stating it left a 'trail of fear, pain, and destruction.' The trial revealed Rossi initially attempted to evade arrest by faking his own death, claiming he had succumbed to cancer in 2020. However, he was later arrested in Scotland after medical staff recognized him from an Interpol notice while he was being treated for COVID-19.

Rossi, also known as Nicholas Alahverdian, failed to testify in his defense and continued to claim his innocence during the sentencing. Prosecutors characterized him as a dangerous individual, arguing that he poses a significant risk to community safety. He is set to be sentenced for a second conviction in November, with the total span of his potential confinement still uncertain due to Utah's indeterminate sentencing policy. Rossi's evasive history, including multiple aliases and previous legal troubles, has highlighted the complexities involved in bringing him to justice. This case has raised important discussions regarding both survivor support and accountability for offenders.