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 wherein the young lady fled the witness stand during 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 stated the sex was consensual.

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

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

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

Afterward, 4th District Decide Michael Reardon told the jury: “This has been an unusual case attended by many unexpected circumstances, however I appreciate your consideration ... and onerous work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of one year in jail in Idaho. The utmost penalty could be as excessive 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 with his legal professional who eliminated items from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

The prosecution remained stoic as they left the courtroom, however as soon as they reached a lower floor they stopped to briefly to congratulate each other on the decision.

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

The Associated Press generally does not determine individuals who say they have been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the woman on this case as “Jane Doe” at her request.

In a press convention, Ada County Prosecuting Attorney Jan Bennetts thanked the jury, investigators and the prosecutors who handled the case.

“Final however not least, it took an unbelievable quantity of braveness for the victim in this case, Jane Doe, to come back forward,” Bennetts mentioned. “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 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, shortly strolling 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 informed the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) out of your minds as if it by no means happened,” as a result of the defense couldn't cross-examine her.

Throughout the press convention, Deputy Prosecuting Legal professional Katelyn Farley stated the moment Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” but said she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had ready for trial figuring out that Doe might not be capable of testify.

“I think it’s important that she determined to stroll within the room, and he or she also determined to stroll out — these were her decisions,” Welsh said.

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

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

Deliberations stretched for seven hours till almost 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury determined to interrupt for the night. At one level, the choose summoned the attorneys to his chambers as a result of the jury requested a query. No particulars had been made public in regards to the jury’s inquiry.

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

Throughout closing arguments, Farley instructed jurors that the case was about “energy within the flawed fingers” used to the “great devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and bodily power over the petite intern, Farley mentioned.

“He used that power to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley mentioned, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in a number of ways, she stated, highlighting the testimony of legislation 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’ present lack of consent. Yanking your head back and getting an damage reveals lack of consent,” Farley stated.

But von Ehlinger’s legal professional told jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “red herrings,” and mentioned von Ehlinger was a reputable one that willingly took the stand to share his aspect 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 whereas von Ehlinger compelled her to perform oral sex, and that she knew he often carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser near the mattress on the time of the assault. The nurse also testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the back of her head from striking the wall or a headboard while trying to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.