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

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 said the sex was consensual.

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

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

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

Afterward, 4th District Judge Michael Reardon told the jury: “This has been an unusual case attended by many sudden circumstances, but I respect your consideration ... and laborious work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimal sentence of 1 yr in prison in Idaho. The utmost penalty may be as excessive as life in prison, at the decide’s discretion. Sentencing has been scheduled for July 28.

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

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

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

The Associated Press generally doesn't establish 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 Attorney Jan Bennetts thanked the jury, investigators and the prosecutors who handled the case.

“Last but not least, it took an incredible amount of courage for the sufferer on this case, Jane Doe, to come back forward,” Bennetts said. “I wish 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, earlier than 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 mentioned, shortly walking out of the courtroom.

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

When she did not, the judge told the jurors they needed to “strike (Doe’s testimony) from your minds as if it never occurred,” because the protection couldn't cross-examine her.

Throughout the press convention, Deputy Prosecuting Lawyer Katelyn Farley mentioned the moment Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” but said she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had ready for trial understanding that Doe could not have the ability to testify.

“I think it’s vital that she determined to stroll within the room, and she also determined to walk out — those were her selections,” Welsh stated.

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

“Issues were going properly, and I requested (Doe) if she wish to move to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger stated. “She mentioned ‘Certain.’ We obtained up, held palms and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours till practically 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury decided to break for the night. At one level, the judge summoned the attorneys to his chambers because the jury requested a question. No particulars have been made public concerning the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations became public — largely because of the legislative ethics investigation — Doe confronted unrelenting harassment from some of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her title, picture and private details about her life were repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of the individuals who regularly harassed her was within the courthouse to attend the trial, but regulation enforcement banned the person from the floor the place the case was being heard.

Throughout closing arguments, Farley advised jurors that the case was about “power within the fallacious hands” used to the “great devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and physical energy 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 ways, she mentioned, 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 occur’ show lack of consent. Yanking your head again and getting an harm exhibits lack of consent,” Farley mentioned.

But von Ehlinger’s legal professional instructed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “crimson herrings,” and said von Ehlinger was a credible person who willingly took the stand to share his side of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who performed the sexual assault examination testified earlier this week. They mentioned Doe reported being pinned down whereas von Ehlinger forced her to carry out oral intercourse, and that she knew he often 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 hanging the wall or a headboard whereas attempting to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.