Former Idaho lawmaker found guilty 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 by which the younger lady fled the witness stand during testimony, saying “I can’t do this.”

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

Von Ehlinger, 39, was discovered responsible Friday of rape. He was discovered not responsible 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 advised the jury: “This has been an uncommon case attended by many unexpected circumstances, but I recognize your attention ... and onerous work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimal sentence of 1 yr in prison in Idaho. The maximum penalty could be as high 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 attorney who eliminated objects from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

The prosecution remained stoic as they left the courtroom, but as soon as they reached a decrease 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 doesn't identify individuals 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 Lawyer Jan Bennetts thanked the jury, investigators and the prosecutors who handled the case.

“Last however not least, it took an incredible amount of courage for the sufferer on this case, Jane Doe, to return forward,” Bennetts said. “I wish 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 started, earlier than 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 stated, quickly strolling out of the courtroom.

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

When she didn't, the judge advised the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) out of your minds as if it never happened,” as a result of the protection couldn't cross-examine her.

Throughout 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 understanding that Doe may not be able to testify.

“I feel it’s necessary that she determined to walk in the room, and she or he additionally decided to walk out — these had 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 condo to “hang around” after consuming at a elaborate Boise restaurant. Then they started making out on the couch, he stated.

“Issues had been going well, and I requested (Doe) if she want to transfer to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger mentioned. “She said ‘Certain.’ We acquired up, held arms and walked into the bed room.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until practically 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury determined to interrupt for the evening. At one level, the decide summoned the attorneys to his chambers because the jury asked a query. No particulars have been made public concerning the jury’s inquiry.

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

Throughout closing arguments, Farley informed jurors that the case was about “power in the improper arms” used to the “great devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and physical energy over the petite intern, Farley said.

“He used that power to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley said, 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 occur’ show lack of consent. Yanking your head back and getting an harm reveals lack of consent,” Farley stated.

But von Ehlinger’s legal professional instructed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “red herrings,” and stated von Ehlinger was a credible person who willingly took the stand to share his aspect of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who carried out the sexual assault exam testified earlier this week. They stated Doe reported being pinned down while von Ehlinger compelled her to perform oral sex, and that she knew he frequently 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.