Former Idaho lawmaker discovered 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 wherein the younger woman fled the witness stand throughout testimony, saying “I can’t do this.”

The intern told a Statehouse supervisor that Aaron von Ehlinger raped her at his condominium after the 2 had dinner at a Boise restaurant in March 2021. Von Ehlinger stated the intercourse was consensual.

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

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

Von Ehlinger sat calmly as the decision was learn, as he has throughout the trial.

Afterward, 4th District Decide Michael Reardon told the jury: “This has been an uncommon case attended by many surprising circumstances, however I respect your consideration ... and exhausting work.”

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

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

The prosecution remained stoic as they left the courtroom, but once they reached a lower flooring they stopped to briefly to congratulate each other on the decision.

Von Ehlinger’s lawyer, Jon Cox, couldn't be instantly reached for remark after the trial.

The Associated Press typically doesn't establish people who say they've been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the woman on this case as “Jane Doe” at her request.

In a press convention, Ada County Prosecuting Lawyer Jan Bennetts thanked the jury, investigators and the prosecutors who dealt with the case.

“Final however not least, it took an unimaginable quantity of courage for the sufferer on this case, Jane Doe, to come ahead,” Bennetts mentioned. “I need to acknowledge the braveness that she took in coming ahead.”

Doe testified on the second day of the trial. She haltingly described the moments the alleged assault began, 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 stated, shortly strolling out of the courtroom.

The choose 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 judge told the jurors they needed to “strike (Doe’s testimony) from your minds as if it never occurred,” because the defense could not cross-examine her.

During the press convention, Deputy Prosecuting Legal professional Katelyn Farley stated the moment Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” but said she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had prepared for trial realizing that Doe could not have the ability to testify.

“I believe it’s essential that she determined to stroll in the room, and he or she also determined to stroll out — these have been her decisions,” Welsh said.

Throughout his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger often spoke in a clear, loud voice directly to jurors, saying he and Doe decided to return to his condo to “hang around” after consuming at a elaborate Boise restaurant. Then they began making out on the couch, he stated.

“Things were going effectively, and I asked (Doe) if she would like to transfer to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger said. “She mentioned ‘Positive.’ We bought up, held arms and walked into the bed room.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until practically 8 p.m. Thursday earlier than the jury decided to break for the evening. At one point, the decide summoned the attorneys to his chambers because the jury asked a query. No particulars had been made public in regards to the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations became public — largely due to the legislative ethics investigation — Doe confronted unrelenting harassment from a few of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her name, picture and personal details about her life had been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many individuals who incessantly harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, but legislation enforcement banned the man from the floor where the case was being heard.

Throughout closing arguments, Farley advised jurors that the case was about “power in the flawed arms” used to the “nice devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and physical power over the petite intern, Farley stated.

“He used that energy to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley said, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in a number of ways, she stated, highlighting the testimony of legislation 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 happen’ show lack of consent. Yanking your head again and getting an harm shows lack of consent,” Farley said.

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

The investigators and the nurse who carried out the sexual assault examination testified earlier this week. They said Doe reported being pinned down while von Ehlinger compelled her to carry out oral sex, and that she knew he ceaselessly carried a handgun and had placed it on a dresser near the bed at the time of the assault. The nurse additionally testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the back of her head from putting the wall or a headboard whereas attempting to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.