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

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

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

Von Ehlinger, 39, was discovered guilty Friday of rape. He was found not responsible 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 advised the jury: “This has been an uncommon case attended by many surprising circumstances, however I respect your consideration ... and arduous work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimal sentence of 1 yr in prison in Idaho. The utmost penalty may 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 with his lawyer who eliminated gadgets 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 verdict.

Von Ehlinger’s legal professional, Jon Cox, could not be instantly reached for comment after the trial.

The Associated Press typically does not identify people 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 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 amount of courage for the sufferer on this case, Jane Doe, to return ahead,” Bennetts said. “I wish 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, before abruptly leaving the witness stand.

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

At that, she stood up.

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

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

When she didn't, the judge advised the jurors they needed to “strike (Doe’s testimony) from your minds as if it by no means occurred,” as a result of the defense couldn't cross-examine her.

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

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

During his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger typically spoke in a transparent, loud voice on to jurors, saying he and Doe decided to return to his apartment to “hang around” after consuming at a elaborate Boise restaurant. Then they started making out on the sofa, he said.

“Issues had been going properly, and I requested (Doe) if she want to move to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger mentioned. “She mentioned ‘Sure.’ We acquired up, held arms and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours till practically 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury determined to break for the evening. At one level, the decide summoned the attorneys to his chambers because the jury asked a query. No particulars were made public concerning the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations became public — largely because of the legislative ethics investigation — Doe faced unrelenting harassment from a few of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her name, photograph and personal particulars 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, 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 “power within the mistaken hands” used to the “nice devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and bodily 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 mentioned, 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 back and getting an harm reveals lack of consent,” Farley mentioned.

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

The investigators and the nurse who performed the sexual assault exam testified earlier this week. They stated Doe reported being pinned down while von Ehlinger forced her to perform oral sex, and that she knew he frequently carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser near the bed at 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 whereas attempting to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.