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 younger woman fled the witness stand during testimony, saying “I can’t do this.”

The intern advised 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 sex was consensual.

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

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

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

Afterward, 4th District Judge Michael Reardon informed the jury: “This has been an unusual case attended by many surprising circumstances, but I admire your attention ... and hard work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of one 12 months in prison in Idaho. The maximum penalty may be as excessive as life in jail, on the choose’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 eliminated gadgets from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

The prosecution remained stoic as they left the courtroom, however once they reached a decrease 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 Related Press generally doesn't identify people who say they've 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 Lawyer Jan Bennetts thanked the jury, investigators and the prosecutors who dealt with the case.

“Final however not least, it took an unimaginable amount of courage for the victim in this case, Jane Doe, to return ahead,” Bennetts said. “I want 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 started, earlier than abruptly leaving the witness stand.

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

At that, she stood up.

“I can’t do that,” she said, rapidly strolling out of the courtroom.

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

When she didn't, the judge instructed the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) from your minds as if it by no means occurred,” as a result of the defense couldn't cross-examine her.

Through the press conference, Deputy Prosecuting Lawyer Katelyn Farley said the second Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” however stated she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had ready for trial figuring out that Doe might not have the ability to testify.

“I believe it’s vital that she decided to walk within the room, and she or he additionally determined to walk out — these had been her choices,” Welsh mentioned.

During his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger typically spoke in a transparent, loud voice on to jurors, saying he and Doe decided to return to his condo to “hang out” after eating at a flowery Boise restaurant. Then they started making out on the sofa, he mentioned.

“Things have been going nicely, and I asked (Doe) if she would like to move to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger said. “She stated ‘Certain.’ We obtained up, held arms and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until nearly 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury determined to interrupt for the evening. At one point, the judge summoned the attorneys to his chambers because the jury requested a question. No details were made public in regards to the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations became public — largely because of the legislative ethics investigation — Doe faced unrelenting harassment from a few of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her name, photo and private particulars about her life have been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of the individuals who incessantly harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, however 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 mistaken hands” used to the “nice devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and bodily power over the petite intern, Farley said.

“He used that power to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley mentioned, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in a number of ways, she said, 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 again and getting an damage shows lack of consent,” Farley stated.

But von Ehlinger’s lawyer advised jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “crimson herrings,” and mentioned von Ehlinger was a credible 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 whereas von Ehlinger pressured her to perform oral intercourse, and that she knew he often carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser close to the mattress at 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 trying to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.