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 through which the younger woman fled the witness stand throughout testimony, saying “I can’t do that.”

The intern advised 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 mentioned the intercourse was consensual.

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

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

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

Afterward, 4th District Decide Michael Reardon instructed the jury: “This has been an uncommon case attended by many unexpected circumstances, however I admire your consideration ... and arduous work.”

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

As von Ehlinger was remanded into custody and handcuffed, he talked quietly together with his lawyer who removed objects 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 verdict.

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

The Related Press typically doesn't establish individuals who say they have been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the lady on 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 dealt with the case.

“Last but not least, it took an unbelievable quantity of courage for the sufferer in this case, Jane Doe, to come back forward,” Bennetts said. “I want to acknowledge the courage that she took in coming forward.”

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

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

At that, she stood up.

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

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

When she didn't, the judge instructed the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) from your minds as if it by no means happened,” because the defense could not cross-examine her.

Through the press convention, Deputy Prosecuting Legal professional Katelyn Farley stated the moment Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” however said she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had ready for trial understanding that Doe may not be capable to testify.

“I think it’s essential that she determined to walk in the room, and she additionally determined to stroll out — these had been her selections,” Welsh mentioned.

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

“Things have been going effectively, and I requested (Doe) if she wish to move to the bed room,” von Ehlinger said. “She mentioned ‘Sure.’ We received up, held fingers and walked into the bed room.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until practically 8 p.m. Thursday earlier than the jury determined to break for the evening. At one level, the decide summoned the attorneys to his chambers because the jury asked a question. No details had been made public concerning the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations turned public — largely because of the legislative ethics investigation — Doe faced unrelenting harassment from some of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her identify, picture and personal particulars about her life had been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of the people who continuously harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, however regulation enforcement banned the man from the ground where the case was being heard.

During closing arguments, Farley instructed jurors that the case was about “power within the incorrect hands” used to the “great devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and bodily energy 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 mentioned, highlighting the testimony of legislation enforcement investigators and a nurse sexual assault examiner who interviewed Doe after the alleged assault.

“Words show lack of consent. Excuses of ‘Why this shouldn’t happen’ show lack of consent. Yanking your head again and getting an injury reveals lack of consent,” Farley mentioned.

However von Ehlinger’s attorney instructed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “crimson herrings,” and said von Ehlinger was a reputable person who willingly took the stand to share his facet of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who performed the sexual assault exam testified earlier this week. They stated Doe reported being pinned down whereas von Ehlinger pressured her to carry out oral sex, and that she knew he often carried a handgun and had placed it on a dresser close to the mattress at the time of the assault. The nurse also testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the again of her head from striking the wall or a headboard while attempting to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.