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 during which the young lady fled the witness stand throughout testimony, saying “I can’t do this.”

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

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

Von Ehlinger, 39, was discovered guilty Friday of rape. He was found not responsible 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 unusual case attended by many unexpected circumstances, however I respect your attention ... and laborious work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of 1 yr in jail in Idaho. The utmost penalty may be as excessive as life in prison, 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 attorney who removed 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, could not be immediately reached for remark after the trial.

The Associated Press typically does not establish 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 dealt with the case.

“Last but not least, it took an incredible quantity of courage for the sufferer on this case, Jane Doe, to return forward,” Bennetts stated. “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, 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 that,” she said, shortly walking out of the courtroom.

The judge gave the prosecuting attorneys 10 minutes to find her to determine if she would return and resume her testimony.

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

During the press convention, Deputy Prosecuting Legal professional Katelyn Farley stated the second Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” however mentioned she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had prepared for trial knowing that Doe may not be capable of testify.

“I feel it’s important that she determined to walk in the room, and she or he additionally determined to walk out — these have been her selections,” Welsh mentioned.

During his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger usually spoke in a transparent, loud voice on to jurors, saying he and Doe decided to return to his residence to “hang around” after eating at a flowery Boise restaurant. Then they started making out on the couch, he stated.

“Issues have been going properly, and I requested (Doe) if she would like to transfer to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger stated. “She said ‘Certain.’ We bought up, held palms and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours till nearly 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury decided to break for the night. At one level, the decide summoned the attorneys to his chambers because the jury requested a question. No particulars have been made public about the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations turned public — largely due to the legislative ethics investigation — Doe faced unrelenting harassment from some of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her identify, photo and private details about her life have been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many people who regularly harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, but regulation enforcement banned the man from the floor where the case was being heard.

During closing arguments, Farley informed jurors that the case was about “energy in the improper palms” used to the “nice 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 mentioned, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in a number of methods, she mentioned, 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 happen’ show lack of consent. Yanking your head back and getting an damage reveals lack of consent,” Farley said.

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

The investigators and the nurse who performed the sexual assault exam testified earlier this week. They mentioned Doe reported being pinned down whereas von Ehlinger forced her to perform oral sex, and that she knew he ceaselessly 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 again of her head from putting the wall or a headboard while trying to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.