Nicholas Alahverdian wants Utah jailers to refer to him as 'Arthur Knight.' A judge says no way.

Former Rhode Islander Nicholas Alahverdian appeared before a Utah judge on Friday, only to hear that his lawyer wanted his rape case continued until April 19.

Then, he wanted to ask the judge a question. 

He was “frustrated,” his lawyer explained to District Court Judge Barry G. Lawrence, that Utah County Jail officials were referring to him not by the alias he wants to use, Arthur Knight, but by the name he’s charged under, Nicholas Rossi. 

Rossi is the surname of his Johnston, Rhode Island, stepfather, who adopted him when he was an adolescent. Alahverdian is his birth name. The 36-year-old captured fugitive, who faked his death in 2020 until his capture in Scotland a year later, is charged with two Utah rapes in 2008. The two cases are playing out in different courts.

Did the judge comply with Alahverdian's request?

Alahverdian’s lawyer, Samantha Dugan, suggested that perhaps the judge could order jail officials to refer to her client as “Mr. Knight.” 

Judge Lawrence’s reply?

No. 

“Here’s the thing,” Judge Lawrence said. “This case is filed against you as Nicholas Edward Rossi. Mr. Knight is an AKA [also know as] ... I’m not inclined to issue an order requiring Utah County to use a certain name.” 

Lawrence said he’d refer to Alahverdian as Knight in his courtroom if that’s what the defendant preferred.  

But that’s as far as it goes. 

“So, Mr. Knight," the judge said, "I’ll see you on April 19.” 

This isn't the first time Alahverdian has complained about his treatment in jail. In Scotland, he made a habit of complaining to an extradition judge about his fellow prisoners making fun of him.

Contact Tom Mooney at: tmooney@providencejournal.com