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 wherein the young lady 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 condominium after the 2 had dinner at a Boise restaurant in March 2021. Von Ehlinger said the intercourse was consensual.

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

Von Ehlinger, 39, was discovered responsible Friday of rape. He was found not responsible 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 told the jury: “This has been an unusual case attended by many surprising circumstances, but I respect your attention ... and laborious work.”

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

As von Ehlinger was remanded into custody and handcuffed, he talked quietly with his lawyer who removed objects 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 verdict.

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

The Related Press generally doesn't establish people who say they have been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the girl 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.

“Last but not least, it took an unbelievable quantity of courage for the sufferer in this case, Jane Doe, to come back forward,” Bennetts stated. “I need 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 began, before 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 said, 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 did not, the judge advised the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) from your minds as if it never occurred,” because the protection could not cross-examine her.

In the course of the press convention, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katelyn Farley stated the second Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” however 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 walk in the room, and he or she additionally decided to stroll out — those have been her selections,” Welsh mentioned.

During his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger usually spoke in a transparent, loud voice directly to jurors, saying he and Doe decided to return to his condominium to “hang out” after eating at a fancy Boise restaurant. Then they began making out on the couch, he mentioned.

“Things were going effectively, and I asked (Doe) if she want to move to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger stated. “She stated ‘Sure.’ We acquired up, held arms and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until almost 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 query. No details were made public concerning the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations turned public — largely because of the legislative ethics investigation — Doe confronted unrelenting harassment from some of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her title, photo and private details about her life have been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many people who incessantly harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, however legislation enforcement banned the man from the ground where the case was being heard.

During closing arguments, Farley advised jurors that the case was about “power within the flawed palms” used to the “great devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and bodily power 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 law 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 happen’ present lack of consent. Yanking your head again and getting an damage shows lack of consent,” Farley said.

But von Ehlinger’s lawyer informed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “pink herrings,” and stated von Ehlinger was a credible one that willingly took the stand to share his side of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who performed the sexual assault exam testified earlier this week. They stated Doe reported being pinned down while von Ehlinger forced her to perform oral intercourse, and that she knew he steadily carried a handgun and had positioned 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 back of her head from putting the wall or a headboard whereas trying to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.