Swindled Rerun: The Crusader (Nicholas Alahverdian)
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Aug 24, 2025 Dive into the tangled life of Nicholas Alahverdian, a foster child advocate with a dark side. Discover the tragic story of Zanay Rothgeb, whose neglect in the foster system sparks a call for urgent reforms. Hear about the emotional journey of a boy overcoming a troubled childhood to champion other vulnerable kids. Unravel the shocking tale of a man who faked his own death and the chaotic legal battles that followed. This narrative weaves through advocacy, systemic failures, and the stark contrasts in Alahverdian's legacy.
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Foster Home That Ended In Tragedy
- Michelle Rothgeb adopted multiple special-needs children and cared for them at home for years.
- Over time conditions deteriorated and led to tragedy when nine-year-old Zanae was found unresponsive in a bathtub.
Fix Foster Care With Caps And Oversight
- Cap foster placements and increase oversight to prevent caregiver overload.
- Hire more frontline workers and enforce follow-ups on flagged concerns to protect vulnerable children.
Systemic Failures Enabled Neglect
- Rhode Island's DCYF ignored repeated red flags about the foster home over many years.
- Systemic understaffing and poor follow-up allowed dangerous placements to continue until a child's death forced reform.