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

The intern advised 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.

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

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

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

Afterward, 4th District Choose Michael Reardon informed the jury: “This has been an uncommon case attended by many sudden circumstances, but I recognize your consideration ... and laborious work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimal sentence of 1 year in jail in Idaho. The maximum penalty may 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 along with his legal professional who removed items 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 lawyer, Jon Cox, couldn't be instantly reached for comment after the trial.

The Related Press usually does not identify 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 conference, Ada County Prosecuting Attorney Jan Bennetts thanked the jury, investigators and the prosecutors who handled the case.

“Final however not least, it took an unimaginable amount of courage for the sufferer on this case, Jane Doe, to come back forward,” Bennetts stated. “I need to acknowledge the braveness that she took in coming ahead.”

Doe testified on the second day of the trial. She haltingly described the moments the alleged assault began, earlier than abruptly leaving the witness stand.

“He tried to put his fingers between my legs and I closed my knees,” Doe said.

At that, she stood up.

“I can’t do that,” she said, 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 did not, the judge informed the jurors they needed to “strike (Doe’s testimony) out of your minds as if it by no means happened,” as a result of the protection could not cross-examine her.

Through the press conference, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katelyn Farley said the moment Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” but said she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had prepared for trial knowing that Doe may not be capable to testify.

“I feel it’s important that she determined to stroll within the room, and she additionally decided to walk out — these have been her choices,” 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 said.

“Things were going nicely, and I requested (Doe) if she wish to transfer to the bed room,” von Ehlinger said. “She mentioned ‘Certain.’ We obtained up, held fingers and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours till nearly 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury decided to break for the night. At one level, the choose summoned the attorneys to his chambers because the jury requested a query. No particulars 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 title, photo and private particulars about her life were repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many people who frequently harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, but legislation enforcement banned the person from the ground where the case was being heard.

Throughout closing arguments, Farley advised jurors that the case was about “power within the mistaken hands” used to the “great devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and physical energy 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 a number of methods, she said, highlighting the testimony of legislation enforcement investigators and a nurse sexual assault examiner who interviewed Doe after the alleged assault.

“Phrases present lack of consent. Excuses of ‘Why this shouldn’t occur’ show lack of consent. Yanking your head again and getting an damage shows lack of consent,” Farley stated.

But von Ehlinger’s attorney instructed 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 aspect of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who performed the sexual assault exam testified earlier this week. They mentioned Doe reported being pinned down while von Ehlinger forced her to perform oral sex, and that she knew he frequently carried a handgun and had positioned 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 back of her head from striking the wall or a headboard while making an attempt to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.