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 through which the younger lady fled the witness stand throughout testimony, saying “I can’t do that.”

The intern told a Statehouse supervisor that Aaron von Ehlinger raped her at his residence after the two 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 consultant, but he later resigned.

Von Ehlinger, 39, was discovered responsible 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 Decide Michael Reardon advised the jury: “This has been an unusual case attended by many unexpected circumstances, but I appreciate your attention ... and arduous work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of one year in prison in Idaho. The maximum penalty may 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 legal professional who eliminated objects from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

The prosecution remained stoic as they left the courtroom, but once they reached a lower flooring they stopped to briefly to congratulate each other on the decision.

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

The Related Press generally does not identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the lady on 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 handled the case.

“Last however not least, it took an incredible quantity of braveness for the sufferer on this case, Jane Doe, to return ahead,” Bennetts mentioned. “I want 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 put his fingers between my legs and I closed my knees,” Doe mentioned.

At that, she stood up.

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

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

When she didn't, the judge instructed the jurors they needed to “strike (Doe’s testimony) from your minds as if it by no means happened,” because 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,” but said she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had ready for trial understanding that Doe may not have the ability to testify.

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

Throughout his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger usually spoke in a transparent, loud voice on to jurors, saying he and Doe determined to return to his residence to “hang out” after eating at a elaborate Boise restaurant. Then they started making out on the sofa, he mentioned.

“Issues were going well, and I asked (Doe) if she would like to transfer to the bed room,” von Ehlinger said. “She mentioned ‘Sure.’ We obtained up, held arms and walked into the bed room.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until almost 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury decided to break for the evening. At one level, the decide summoned the attorneys to his chambers as a result of the jury asked a query. No particulars had been made public about 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, picture and private particulars about her life were repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many people who steadily harassed her was within the courthouse to attend the trial, but legislation enforcement banned the man from the floor where the case was being heard.

Throughout closing arguments, Farley told jurors that the case was about “energy in the mistaken palms” used to the “great devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and bodily energy over the petite intern, Farley stated.

“He used that power to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley stated, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in several ways, she said, highlighting the testimony of law 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 happen’ show lack of consent. Yanking your head back and getting an damage exhibits lack of consent,” Farley mentioned.

But von Ehlinger’s attorney advised jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “purple herrings,” and mentioned von Ehlinger was a reputable person who willingly took the stand to share his facet of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who performed the sexual assault examination testified earlier this week. They mentioned Doe reported being pinned down while von Ehlinger compelled her to perform oral intercourse, and that she knew he ceaselessly carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser near 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 placing the wall or a headboard while trying to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.