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

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

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

Von Ehlinger, 39, was discovered guilty 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 throughout the trial.

Afterward, 4th District Decide Michael Reardon informed 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 minimum sentence of 1 year in jail in Idaho. The maximum penalty will be as high as life in jail, 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 legal professional who removed gadgets from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

The prosecution remained stoic as they left the courtroom, but once they reached a lower floor they stopped to briefly to congratulate one another on the verdict.

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

The Related Press typically does not determine people who say they've been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the girl in 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 however not least, it took an unbelievable quantity of braveness for the sufferer in this case, Jane Doe, to come ahead,” Bennetts mentioned. “I need 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 put his fingers between my legs and I closed my knees,” Doe said.

At that, she stood up.

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

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

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

Throughout the press conference, Deputy Prosecuting Lawyer Katelyn Farley mentioned the moment Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” but stated she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had prepared for trial realizing that Doe could not be able to testify.

“I think it’s vital that she determined to stroll within the room, and she or he additionally determined to stroll out — these were her decisions,” Welsh stated.

Throughout his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger typically spoke in a clear, loud voice on 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 sofa, he stated.

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

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until practically 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury decided to break for the evening. At one point, the decide summoned the attorneys to his chambers as a result of the jury asked a question. No details have been made public about the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations turned public — largely because of the legislative ethics investigation — Doe confronted 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 many individuals who often harassed her was within the courthouse to attend the trial, however regulation enforcement banned the man from the ground the place the case was being heard.

During closing arguments, Farley informed jurors that the case was about “power in the fallacious fingers” used to the “nice devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and bodily power over the petite intern, Farley said.

“He used that energy to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley stated, 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.

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

But von Ehlinger’s lawyer informed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “purple herrings,” and said von Ehlinger was a credible one who willingly took the stand to share his facet 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 forced her to carry out oral sex, and that she knew he ceaselessly carried a handgun and had placed it on a dresser close to the mattress on the time of the assault. The nurse also testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the back of her head from putting the wall or a headboard whereas making an attempt to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.