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

The intern informed a Statehouse supervisor that Aaron von Ehlinger raped her at his residence after the 2 had dinner at a Boise restaurant in March 2021. Von Ehlinger mentioned the intercourse was consensual.

At 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 discovered not guilty of sexual penetration with a international object.

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

Afterward, 4th District Decide Michael Reardon informed the jury: “This has been an uncommon case attended by many unexpected circumstances, however I recognize your consideration ... and onerous work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of 1 12 months in prison 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 with his attorney who eliminated items 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 legal professional, Jon Cox, could not 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 girl 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 handled the case.

“Last but not least, it took an unbelievable quantity of courage for the sufferer on this case, Jane Doe, to come ahead,” Bennetts said. “I need to acknowledge the braveness that she took in coming forward.”

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 mentioned.

At that, she stood up.

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

The choose 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 never occurred,” because the protection could not cross-examine her.

During the press convention, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katelyn Farley mentioned the second Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” however mentioned she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had prepared for trial realizing that Doe might not be capable to testify.

“I feel it’s vital that she decided to walk within the room, and she also decided to walk out — these have been her choices,” Welsh said.

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 house to “hang around” after eating at a elaborate Boise restaurant. Then they started making out on the sofa, he mentioned.

“Things were going properly, and I requested (Doe) if she want to transfer to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger stated. “She stated ‘Certain.’ We obtained up, held hands and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until almost 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury decided to break for the night. At one point, the choose summoned the attorneys to his chambers as a result of the jury asked a query. No details were made public about the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations grew to become public — largely due to the legislative ethics investigation — Doe confronted unrelenting harassment from some of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her name, photograph and personal details about her life had been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many people who frequently harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, but law enforcement banned the person from the floor the place the case was being heard.

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

“He used that power to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley said, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in several methods, she said, highlighting the testimony of regulation enforcement investigators and a nurse sexual assault examiner who interviewed Doe after the alleged assault.

“Phrases show lack of consent. Excuses of ‘Why this shouldn’t happen’ show lack of consent. Yanking your head again and getting an injury reveals lack of consent,” Farley said.

But von Ehlinger’s attorney informed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “crimson herrings,” and stated von Ehlinger was a credible one who willingly took the stand to share his side of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who carried out the sexual assault examination testified earlier this week. They said Doe reported being pinned down whereas von Ehlinger compelled her to perform oral sex, and that she knew he incessantly carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser near the bed on the time of the assault. The nurse also testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the back of her head from hanging the wall or a headboard while attempting to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.