Former Idaho lawmaker found responsible of raping intern

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A former Idaho lawmaker was convicted Friday of raping a 19-year-old legislative intern after a dramatic trial in which the young lady fled the witness stand throughout testimony, saying “I can’t do that.”

The intern instructed a Statehouse supervisor that Aaron von Ehlinger raped her at his apartment after the two had dinner at a Boise restaurant in March 2021. Von Ehlinger said the intercourse was consensual.

On the time, the Lewiston Republican was serving as a state consultant, but he later resigned.

Von Ehlinger, 39, was found responsible Friday of rape. He was found not guilty of sexual penetration with a overseas object.

Von Ehlinger sat calmly as the verdict was read, as he has throughout the trial.

Afterward, 4th District Judge Michael Reardon advised the jury: “This has been an unusual case attended by many sudden circumstances, however I recognize your consideration ... and hard work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of one 12 months in jail in Idaho. The maximum penalty might be as excessive as life in prison, at the choose’s discretion. Sentencing has been scheduled for July 28.

As von Ehlinger was remanded into custody and handcuffed, he talked quietly with his lawyer who removed gadgets from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

The prosecution remained stoic as they left the courtroom, however as soon as they reached a decrease floor they stopped to briefly to congratulate each other on the decision.

Von Ehlinger’s lawyer, Jon Cox, could not be immediately reached for remark after the trial.

The Associated Press generally does not identify individuals who say they have been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the lady in this case as “Jane Doe” at her request.

In a press conference, Ada County Prosecuting Legal professional Jan Bennetts thanked the jury, investigators and the prosecutors who handled the case.

“Last but not least, it took an unbelievable amount of braveness for the sufferer in this case, Jane Doe, to return ahead,” Bennetts stated. “I wish to acknowledge the braveness that she took in coming forward.”

Doe testified on the second day of the trial. She haltingly described the moments the alleged assault started, before abruptly leaving the witness stand.

“He tried to put his fingers between my legs and I closed my knees,” Doe mentioned.

At that, she stood up.

“I can’t do this,” she mentioned, shortly walking out of the courtroom.

The judge gave the prosecuting attorneys 10 minutes to find her to find out if she would return and resume her testimony.

When she didn't, the decide advised the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) out of your minds as if it by no means occurred,” because the defense couldn't cross-examine her.

Throughout the press conference, Deputy Prosecuting Lawyer Katelyn Farley stated the second Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” but mentioned she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had prepared for trial figuring out that Doe may not be able to testify.

“I feel it’s important that she decided to walk within the room, and he or she also determined to stroll out — these had been her choices,” Welsh said.

Throughout his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger usually spoke in a clear, loud voice on to jurors, saying he and Doe determined to return to his residence to “hang around” after eating at a elaborate Boise restaurant. Then they started making out on the sofa, he stated.

“Issues were going nicely, and I requested (Doe) if she would like to transfer to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger said. “She stated ‘Sure.’ We acquired up, held fingers and walked into the bed room.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until nearly 8 p.m. Thursday earlier than the jury determined to interrupt for the evening. At one point, the judge summoned the attorneys to his chambers as a result of the jury asked a query. No particulars were made public in regards to the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations became public — largely because of the legislative ethics investigation — Doe faced unrelenting harassment from some of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her title, photograph and private particulars about her life were repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many individuals who steadily harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, however law enforcement banned the man from the floor where the case was being heard.

During closing arguments, Farley advised jurors that the case was about “energy in the unsuitable arms” used to the “nice devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and bodily power over the petite intern, Farley mentioned.

“He used that energy to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley stated, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in several ways, she stated, highlighting the testimony of law enforcement investigators and a nurse sexual assault examiner who interviewed Doe after the alleged assault.

“Phrases present lack of consent. Excuses of ‘Why this shouldn’t occur’ present lack of consent. Yanking your head again and getting an injury reveals lack of consent,” Farley stated.

However von Ehlinger’s legal professional advised jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “red herrings,” and stated von Ehlinger was a reputable one who willingly took the stand to share his facet of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who performed the sexual assault examination testified earlier this week. They stated Doe reported being pinned down while von Ehlinger compelled her to carry out oral intercourse, and that she knew he incessantly carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser close to the mattress at the time of the assault. The nurse additionally testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the back of her head from hanging the wall or a headboard whereas making an attempt to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.