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 wherein the younger 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 condominium after the two had dinner at a Boise restaurant in March 2021. Von Ehlinger stated the intercourse was consensual.

On the time, the Lewiston Republican was serving as a state consultant, however he later resigned.

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

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

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

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of 1 year in jail in Idaho. The utmost penalty could be as high as life in jail, at the choose’s discretion. Sentencing has been scheduled for July 28.

As von Ehlinger was remanded into custody and handcuffed, he talked quietly along with his lawyer 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 one another on the decision.

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

The Related Press typically does not establish 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 conference, Ada County Prosecuting Legal professional Jan Bennetts thanked the jury, investigators and the prosecutors who dealt with the case.

“Final but not least, it took an unbelievable quantity of braveness for the sufferer on this case, Jane Doe, to come back 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, before 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, quickly strolling out of the courtroom.

The decide 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 told the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) from your minds as if it by no means happened,” because the protection could not cross-examine her.

Throughout the press conference, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katelyn Farley stated 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 could not have the ability to testify.

“I believe it’s vital that she decided to walk in the room, and she also determined to walk out — those were her choices,” Welsh stated.

During his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger often spoke in a transparent, loud voice directly to jurors, saying he and Doe decided to return to his apartment to “hang around” after eating at a fancy Boise restaurant. Then they began making out on the couch, he mentioned.

“Things had been going properly, and I requested (Doe) if she wish to transfer to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger said. “She mentioned ‘Sure.’ We got up, held palms and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours till almost 8 p.m. Thursday earlier than the jury determined to break for the evening. At one level, the decide summoned the attorneys to his chambers because the jury asked a query. No particulars were made public concerning 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 title, photograph and personal particulars about her life have been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many individuals who steadily harassed her was within the courthouse to attend the trial, but legislation enforcement banned the person from the floor the place the case was being heard.

During closing arguments, Farley instructed jurors that the case was about “energy within the flawed fingers” used to the “nice devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and physical 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 stated, highlighting the testimony of regulation enforcement investigators and a nurse sexual assault examiner who interviewed Doe after the alleged assault.

“Words present lack of consent. Excuses of ‘Why this shouldn’t occur’ present lack of consent. Yanking your head again and getting an harm reveals lack of consent,” Farley stated.

However von Ehlinger’s legal professional instructed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “purple herrings,” and stated von Ehlinger was a reputable one who willingly took the stand to share his side 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 whereas von Ehlinger compelled her to carry out oral sex, and that she knew he steadily carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser close to the bed 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 whereas attempting to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.