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

The intern advised a Statehouse supervisor that Aaron von Ehlinger raped her at his apartment after the two 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 representative, but he later resigned.

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

Von Ehlinger sat calmly as the decision was read, as he has throughout the trial.

Afterward, 4th District Choose Michael Reardon informed the jury: “This has been an uncommon case attended by many unexpected circumstances, but I admire your consideration ... and laborious work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of one 12 months in prison in Idaho. The maximum penalty may be as high as life in jail, at the judge’s discretion. Sentencing has been scheduled for July 28.

As von Ehlinger was remanded into custody and handcuffed, he talked quietly along with his attorney who removed items 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 verdict.

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

The Associated Press usually doesn't identify 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 handled the case.

“Last however not least, it took an unimaginable amount of courage for the victim in this case, Jane Doe, to come back ahead,” Bennetts stated. “I wish 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, 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 stated, rapidly walking out of the courtroom.

The decide 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 choose informed the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) out of your minds as if it by no means happened,” because the protection couldn't cross-examine her.

Through the press conference, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katelyn Farley mentioned the moment Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” however said she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had prepared for trial knowing that Doe might not have the ability to testify.

“I think it’s essential that she determined to walk in the room, and he or she additionally determined to stroll out — those had been her selections,” Welsh said.

During his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger often spoke in a transparent, loud voice on to jurors, saying he and Doe decided to return to his condo to “hang out” after consuming at a fancy Boise restaurant. Then they began making out on the sofa, he mentioned.

“Issues had been going effectively, and I asked (Doe) if she would like to transfer to the bed room,” von Ehlinger said. “She mentioned ‘Certain.’ We acquired up, held arms and walked into the bed room.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until nearly 8 p.m. Thursday earlier than the jury decided to break for the night. At one level, the judge summoned the attorneys to his chambers because the jury requested a question. No particulars were made public in regards to the jury’s inquiry.

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

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

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

“Words show lack of consent. Excuses of ‘Why this shouldn’t happen’ show lack of consent. Yanking your head again and getting an harm reveals lack of consent,” Farley said.

However von Ehlinger’s lawyer instructed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “crimson herrings,” and mentioned von Ehlinger was a reputable one that willingly took the stand to share his aspect of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who carried out the sexual assault exam testified earlier this week. They mentioned Doe reported being pinned down whereas von Ehlinger pressured her to perform oral intercourse, and that she knew he continuously carried a handgun and had placed it on a dresser near the bed on the time of the assault. The nurse also testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the back of her head from placing the wall or a headboard while trying to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.