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Former Idaho lawmaker found guilty of raping intern


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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 through which the young 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 condo after the 2 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 discovered responsible Friday of rape. He was discovered not guilty of sexual penetration with a international object.

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

Afterward, 4th District Decide Michael Reardon informed the jury: “This has been an unusual case attended by many sudden circumstances, however I appreciate your attention ... and hard work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimal sentence of 1 12 months in prison in Idaho. The utmost penalty can be as high as life in prison, on 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 attorney who removed gadgets from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

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

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

The Related Press generally does not identify individuals who say they've been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the woman 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 unbelievable amount of courage for the sufferer on this case, Jane Doe, to come back ahead,” Bennetts mentioned. “I want to acknowledge the courage that she took in coming ahead.”

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 stated.

At that, she stood up.

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

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

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

In the course of the press convention, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katelyn Farley stated the moment Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” but mentioned she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had ready for trial knowing that Doe could not be capable of testify.

“I think it’s vital that she decided to walk in the room, and he or she additionally determined to stroll out — those were her choices,” Welsh mentioned.

Throughout his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger usually spoke in a clear, loud voice on to jurors, saying he and Doe determined to return to his house to “hang out” after eating at a fancy Boise restaurant. Then they started making out on the couch, he stated.

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

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until almost 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury determined to interrupt for the evening. At one level, the decide summoned the attorneys to his chambers as a result of the jury requested a query. No details were made public about the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations turned public — largely because of the legislative ethics investigation — Doe faced unrelenting harassment from some of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her name, photograph and personal particulars about her life have been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of the people who ceaselessly harassed her was within the courthouse to attend the trial, but law enforcement banned the man from the floor the place the case was being heard.

Throughout closing arguments, Farley advised jurors that the case was about “energy within the fallacious arms” used to the “nice devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and bodily energy over the petite intern, Farley stated.

“He used that power to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley said, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in several methods, she mentioned, highlighting the testimony of regulation 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 occur’ present lack of consent. Yanking your head back and getting an injury exhibits lack of consent,” Farley said.

However 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 stated Doe reported being pinned down whereas von Ehlinger pressured her to carry out oral intercourse, and that she knew he continuously carried a handgun and had placed it on a dresser near the mattress 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 whereas making an attempt to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.

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