Former Idaho lawmaker found guilty 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 younger woman fled the witness stand during testimony, saying “I can’t do that.”

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

At 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 discovered 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 advised the jury: “This has been an unusual case attended by many unexpected circumstances, but I respect your attention ... and arduous work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimal sentence of 1 12 months in prison in Idaho. The maximum penalty can be as high as life in prison, on the choose’s discretion. Sentencing has been scheduled for July 28.

As von Ehlinger was remanded into custody and handcuffed, he talked quietly together with his attorney who removed items from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

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

Von Ehlinger’s legal professional, Jon Cox, could not be immediately reached for remark after the trial.

The Related Press generally doesn't establish individuals who say they've been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the girl 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 incredible amount of courage for the sufferer on this case, Jane Doe, to come back ahead,” Bennetts stated. “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 started, 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 mentioned, rapidly walking 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 informed the jurors they needed to “strike (Doe’s testimony) out of your minds as if it never occurred,” as a result of the defense could not cross-examine her.

During the press conference, Deputy Prosecuting Lawyer Katelyn Farley stated 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 may not be able to testify.

“I believe it’s necessary that she determined to walk in the room, and he or she also decided to stroll out — those have been her choices,” Welsh mentioned.

During his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger typically spoke in a clear, loud voice on to jurors, saying he and Doe determined to return to his apartment to “hang around” after eating at a flowery Boise restaurant. Then they began making out on the couch, he said.

“Things were going properly, and I requested (Doe) if she want to transfer to the bed room,” von Ehlinger stated. “She said ‘Positive.’ We got up, held arms and walked into the bedroom.”

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

When the allegations grew to become public — largely because of the legislative ethics investigation — Doe faced unrelenting harassment from a few of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her name, photograph and private details about her life have been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many individuals who often harassed her was within the courthouse to attend the trial, but legislation enforcement banned the man from the ground where the case was being heard.

Throughout closing arguments, Farley informed jurors that the case was about “energy in the incorrect arms” used to the “great devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and bodily power 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 methods, she stated, highlighting the testimony of regulation 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 occur’ present lack of consent. Yanking your head again and getting an harm reveals lack of consent,” Farley mentioned.

However von Ehlinger’s lawyer told jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “purple herrings,” and stated von Ehlinger was a reputable one who willingly took the stand to share his facet of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who carried out 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 often carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser near the bed 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.