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 through which the younger lady 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 condominium after the 2 had dinner at a Boise restaurant in March 2021. Von Ehlinger stated the sex was consensual.

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

Von Ehlinger, 39, was found responsible 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 all through the trial.

Afterward, 4th District Judge Michael Reardon told the jury: “This has been an uncommon case attended by many sudden circumstances, but I recognize your attention ... and hard work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of one year in jail in Idaho. The utmost penalty could be as high as life in prison, 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 legal professional who removed 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 one another on the decision.

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

The Associated Press usually does not establish individuals who say they have been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the woman in 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 handled the case.

“Last but not least, it took an unimaginable amount of courage for the victim on this case, Jane Doe, to return ahead,” 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 stated, shortly strolling out of the courtroom.

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

When she did not, the choose instructed the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) out of your minds as if it by no means occurred,” because the protection could not cross-examine her.

During the press convention, Deputy Prosecuting Lawyer Katelyn Farley said the moment Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” however said she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had ready for trial understanding that Doe could not have the ability to testify.

“I feel it’s necessary that she determined to stroll within the room, and she also decided to stroll out — those have been her selections,” Welsh said.

Throughout his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger typically spoke in a transparent, loud voice on to jurors, saying he and Doe determined to return to his residence to “hang out” after eating at a flowery Boise restaurant. Then they began making out on the sofa, he mentioned.

“Things were going well, and I requested (Doe) if she wish to transfer to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger mentioned. “She stated ‘Sure.’ We obtained up, held fingers and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours till nearly 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury determined to interrupt for the night. At one point, the choose summoned the attorneys to his chambers because the jury requested a query. No particulars had been made public concerning the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations became public — largely because of the legislative ethics investigation — Doe faced unrelenting harassment from some of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her identify, photograph and personal details about her life had been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many individuals who incessantly harassed her was within the courthouse to attend the trial, however law enforcement banned the person from the ground where the case was being heard.

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

“He used that energy to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley stated, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in a number of ways, she mentioned, highlighting the testimony of law enforcement investigators and a nurse sexual assault examiner who interviewed Doe after the alleged assault.

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

However von Ehlinger’s lawyer advised jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “red 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 exam testified earlier this week. They said Doe reported being pinned down while von Ehlinger pressured her to carry out oral intercourse, and that she knew he frequently carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser close to the bed on the time of the assault. The nurse also testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the again of her head from placing the wall or a headboard whereas attempting to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.