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 by which the young woman fled the witness stand during testimony, saying “I can’t do this.”

The intern advised a Statehouse supervisor that Aaron von Ehlinger raped her at his house after the two 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 representative, however he later resigned.

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

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

Afterward, 4th District Choose Michael Reardon instructed the jury: “This has been an uncommon case attended by many sudden circumstances, but I recognize your consideration ... and arduous work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of 1 12 months in prison in Idaho. The maximum penalty might be as excessive as life in jail, on 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 attorney who eliminated gadgets from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

The prosecution remained stoic as they left the courtroom, however as soon as they reached a decrease flooring they stopped to briefly to congratulate one another on the decision.

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

The Related Press generally does not identify people 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 Lawyer Jan Bennetts thanked the jury, investigators and the prosecutors who dealt with the case.

“Final however not least, it took an unimaginable amount of courage for the sufferer in this case, Jane Doe, to come 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 place his fingers between my legs and I closed my knees,” Doe said.

At that, she stood up.

“I can’t do this,” she stated, rapidly strolling out of the courtroom.

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

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

Throughout the press conference, Deputy Prosecuting Legal professional Katelyn Farley mentioned the second Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” but stated she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had ready for trial knowing that Doe might not be capable to testify.

“I believe it’s essential that she determined to stroll within the room, and she additionally decided to stroll out — those had been her selections,” Welsh mentioned.

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

“Issues had been going properly, and I asked (Doe) if she want to move to the bed room,” von Ehlinger mentioned. “She mentioned ‘Sure.’ We acquired up, held palms and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until practically 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 requested a query. No particulars have been made public in regards to the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations turned public — largely due to the legislative ethics investigation — Doe confronted unrelenting harassment from a few of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her name, photo and personal details about her life were repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many people who frequently harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, however law enforcement banned the man from the floor the place the case was being heard.

Throughout closing arguments, Farley instructed jurors that the case was about “power within the flawed palms” used to the “nice devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and bodily power over the petite intern, Farley said.

“He used that energy to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley said, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in several methods, she mentioned, highlighting the testimony of law 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 damage reveals lack of consent,” Farley mentioned.

But von Ehlinger’s lawyer advised jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “red herrings,” and said von Ehlinger was a credible 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 mentioned Doe reported being pinned down whereas von Ehlinger compelled her to perform oral intercourse, and that she knew he frequently carried a handgun and had placed it on a dresser near the mattress on 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 whereas attempting to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.