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 wherein 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 house 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, however he later resigned.

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

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

Afterward, 4th District Choose Michael Reardon instructed the jury: “This has been an uncommon case attended by many sudden circumstances, but I appreciate your attention ... and laborious work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of 1 year in jail in Idaho. The maximum penalty may be as excessive as life in prison, at 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 as soon as they reached a lower flooring they stopped to briefly to congratulate one another on the decision.

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

The Related Press generally does not determine individuals who say they've been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the girl on 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 incredible quantity of courage for the victim on this case, Jane Doe, to come forward,” Bennetts said. “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, earlier than abruptly leaving the witness stand.

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

At that, she stood up.

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

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

During the press conference, Deputy Prosecuting Lawyer Katelyn Farley said the moment Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” however mentioned she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had ready for trial figuring out that Doe could not be capable of testify.

“I feel it’s essential that she determined to stroll within the room, and he or she also determined to stroll out — those had been her decisions,” Welsh mentioned.

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

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

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until nearly 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury decided to interrupt for the night. At one point, the decide summoned the attorneys to his chambers as a result of the jury requested a question. No details have been made public about 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 personal particulars about her life were repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many individuals who regularly harassed her was within the courthouse to attend the trial, however legislation enforcement banned the man from the ground the place the case was being heard.

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

“He used that power to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley mentioned, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in several methods, she stated, 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 exhibits lack of consent,” Farley mentioned.

However von Ehlinger’s legal professional told jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “purple herrings,” and said von Ehlinger was a reputable one that willingly took the stand to share his aspect of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who performed the sexual assault examination testified earlier this week. They stated Doe reported being pinned down whereas von Ehlinger compelled her to carry out oral intercourse, and that she knew he incessantly carried a handgun and had placed 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 hanging the wall or a headboard whereas attempting to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.