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

The intern advised 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 mentioned the sex was consensual.

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

Von Ehlinger, 39, was discovered responsible Friday of rape. He was discovered 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 instructed the jury: “This has been an uncommon case attended by many surprising circumstances, however I recognize your attention ... and laborious work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimal sentence of 1 12 months in prison in Idaho. The utmost penalty might be as excessive as life in jail, on the choose’s discretion. Sentencing has been scheduled for July 28.

As von Ehlinger was remanded into custody and handcuffed, he talked quietly together with his lawyer who eliminated objects from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

The prosecution remained stoic as they left the courtroom, however once they reached a decrease flooring they stopped to briefly to congratulate each other on the verdict.

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

The Related Press typically doesn't identify people who say they have 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 incredible quantity of courage for the victim on this case, Jane Doe, to come back forward,” Bennetts said. “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 began, earlier than abruptly leaving the witness stand.

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

At that, she stood up.

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

The choose 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 instructed the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) out of your minds as if it never occurred,” as a result of the protection couldn't cross-examine her.

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

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

During his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger usually spoke in a clear, loud voice directly to jurors, saying he and Doe determined to return to his condo to “hang out” after eating at a elaborate Boise restaurant. Then they began making out on the sofa, he mentioned.

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

Deliberations stretched for seven hours till almost 8 p.m. Thursday earlier than the jury determined to interrupt for the evening. At one point, the choose summoned the attorneys to his chambers as a result of the jury asked a question. No details have been made public in regards to the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations turned public — largely because of the legislative ethics investigation — Doe faced unrelenting harassment from some of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her title, picture and private particulars about her life have been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many individuals who incessantly harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, however legislation enforcement banned the person from the floor where the case was being heard.

Throughout closing arguments, Farley instructed jurors that the case was about “power in the wrong hands” used to the “nice devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and physical energy over the petite intern, Farley mentioned.

“He used that energy to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley mentioned, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in several ways, she stated, 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 occur’ show lack of consent. Yanking your head again and getting an damage exhibits lack of consent,” Farley stated.

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

The investigators and the nurse who performed the sexual assault examination testified earlier this week. They said Doe reported being pinned down whereas von Ehlinger forced her to carry out oral intercourse, and that she knew he incessantly carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser near 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 placing the wall or a headboard while trying to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.