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 through which the young woman 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 intercourse 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 guilty of sexual penetration with a international 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 unexpected circumstances, but I respect your attention ... and hard work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimal sentence of 1 12 months in prison in Idaho. The utmost penalty will be as high as life in jail, at 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 items from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

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

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

The Associated Press generally doesn't determine people who say they have 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 Legal professional Jan Bennetts thanked the jury, investigators and the prosecutors who dealt with the case.

“Final however not least, it took an unbelievable quantity of courage for the sufferer on this case, Jane Doe, to return ahead,” Bennetts said. “I need to acknowledge the courage that she took in coming forward.”

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 mentioned, quickly strolling out of the courtroom.

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

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

In the course of the press convention, Deputy Prosecuting Lawyer Katelyn Farley stated the moment Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” however mentioned she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had ready for trial realizing that Doe could not have the ability to testify.

“I believe it’s essential that she determined to walk in the room, and she additionally determined to stroll out — these were her decisions,” Welsh said.

During his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger usually spoke in a transparent, loud voice on to jurors, saying he and Doe decided to return to his residence to “hang out” after consuming at a fancy Boise restaurant. Then they started making out on the sofa, he stated.

“Things had been going nicely, and I requested (Doe) if she would like to move to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger mentioned. “She mentioned ‘Positive.’ We obtained up, held arms and walked into the bed room.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours till nearly 8 p.m. Thursday earlier than the jury determined to break for the evening. At one level, the decide summoned the attorneys to his chambers because the jury asked a question. No details had 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 a few of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her identify, photo and personal particulars about her life had been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many individuals who frequently harassed her was within the courthouse to attend the trial, but law enforcement banned the man from the ground where the case was being heard.

During closing arguments, Farley informed jurors that the case was about “power within the fallacious 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 said, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in several ways, she said, highlighting the testimony of legislation enforcement investigators and a nurse sexual assault examiner who interviewed Doe after the alleged assault.

“Words present lack of consent. Excuses of ‘Why this shouldn’t occur’ show lack of consent. Yanking your head again and getting an injury exhibits lack of consent,” Farley mentioned.

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

The investigators and the nurse who carried out the sexual assault exam testified earlier this week. They stated Doe reported being pinned down while von Ehlinger forced her to perform oral sex, and that she knew he steadily carried a handgun and had placed it on a dresser close to the mattress on the time of the assault. The nurse additionally testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the again of her head from hanging the wall or a headboard while making an attempt to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.