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

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

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

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

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

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

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of 1 yr in jail in Idaho. The maximum penalty may be as high as life in jail, on 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 legal professional who removed items from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

The prosecution remained stoic as they left the courtroom, but once they reached a lower ground they stopped to briefly to congratulate one another on the decision.

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

The Related Press typically 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.

“Last however not least, it took an unimaginable amount of courage for the victim on this case, Jane Doe, to come forward,” Bennetts stated. “I want 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 that,” she stated, shortly walking out of the courtroom.

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

When she didn't, the decide instructed the jurors they needed to “strike (Doe’s testimony) out of your minds as if it by no means happened,” as a result of the protection couldn't cross-examine her.

In the course of the press conference, Deputy Prosecuting Legal professional Katelyn Farley mentioned the moment Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” however mentioned she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had prepared for trial figuring out that Doe might not be able to testify.

“I believe it’s essential that she decided to stroll in the room, and she additionally determined to stroll out — these have been her selections,” Welsh stated.

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

“Issues had been going properly, and I asked (Doe) if she want to transfer to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger said. “She mentioned ‘Certain.’ We bought up, held fingers and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until nearly 8 p.m. Thursday earlier than the jury determined to interrupt for the night. At one point, the choose summoned the attorneys to his chambers as a result of the jury asked a question. No details were made public concerning the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations became public — largely due to the legislative ethics investigation — Doe confronted unrelenting harassment from some of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her name, picture and private particulars about her life had been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many people who frequently harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, however regulation enforcement banned the person from the ground where the case was being heard.

During closing arguments, Farley informed jurors that the case was about “power in the incorrect arms” used to the “great 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 mentioned, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in a number of methods, she mentioned, highlighting the testimony of legislation enforcement investigators and a nurse sexual assault examiner who interviewed Doe after the alleged assault.

“Phrases 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 said.

But von Ehlinger’s lawyer told jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “pink herrings,” and stated von Ehlinger was a reputable person who willingly took the stand to share his aspect 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 whereas von Ehlinger compelled her to perform oral intercourse, and that she knew he steadily carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser near 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 striking the wall or a headboard whereas attempting to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.