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

The intern informed 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 intercourse was consensual.

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

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

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

Afterward, 4th District Choose Michael Reardon told the jury: “This has been an uncommon case attended by many surprising circumstances, however I recognize your consideration ... and onerous work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of one 12 months in prison in Idaho. The maximum penalty may be as excessive as life in jail, on the decide’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 gadgets from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

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

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

The Associated Press usually does not identify people who say they've been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the woman in this case as “Jane Doe” at her request.

In a press convention, 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 braveness for the victim in this case, Jane Doe, to come back forward,” Bennetts said. “I need 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, earlier than 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 said, rapidly walking out of the courtroom.

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

When she didn't, the choose told the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) from your minds as if it never happened,” as a result of the defense could not cross-examine her.

During the press convention, Deputy Prosecuting Lawyer Katelyn Farley mentioned the second Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” however mentioned she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had prepared for trial knowing that Doe might not be able to testify.

“I believe it’s important that she decided to stroll in the room, and he or she additionally determined to stroll out — these had been her decisions,” Welsh mentioned.

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

“Things had been going effectively, and I asked (Doe) if she want to move to the bed room,” von Ehlinger stated. “She stated ‘Certain.’ We obtained up, held hands and walked into the bed room.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours till almost 8 p.m. Thursday earlier than the jury determined to interrupt for the night. At one level, the decide 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 due to the legislative ethics investigation — Doe confronted unrelenting harassment from a few of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her name, photo and private particulars about her life had been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many individuals who incessantly harassed her was within the courthouse to attend the trial, but legislation enforcement banned the person from the floor where the case was being heard.

Throughout closing arguments, Farley informed jurors that the case was about “power in the incorrect fingers” 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 mentioned, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in a number of methods, she mentioned, 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 happen’ show lack of consent. Yanking your head back and getting an injury shows lack of consent,” Farley stated.

But von Ehlinger’s lawyer told jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “purple 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 carried out the sexual assault examination testified earlier this week. They said Doe reported being pinned down whereas von Ehlinger forced her to carry out oral sex, and that she knew he often carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser close to the bed on the time of the assault. The nurse also testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the back of her head from placing the wall or a headboard whereas attempting to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.