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

The intern told a Statehouse supervisor that Aaron von Ehlinger raped her at his house after the two had dinner at a Boise restaurant in March 2021. Von Ehlinger said the intercourse 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 found not guilty 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 Judge Michael Reardon informed the jury: “This has been an unusual case attended by many unexpected circumstances, however I admire your consideration ... and exhausting work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of 1 12 months in jail in Idaho. The maximum penalty could be as high as life in jail, at 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 legal professional who eliminated objects from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

The prosecution remained stoic as they left the courtroom, but as soon as they reached a lower ground they stopped to briefly to congratulate each other on the decision.

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

The Associated Press usually doesn't establish individuals 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 Attorney Jan Bennetts thanked the jury, investigators and the prosecutors who dealt with the case.

“Final but not least, it took an unimaginable amount of courage for the sufferer on this case, Jane Doe, to come back forward,” 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 started, 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 said, shortly walking out of the courtroom.

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

When she didn't, the judge informed the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) out of your minds as if it by no means occurred,” because the protection 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 prepared for trial understanding that Doe may not be able to testify.

“I feel it’s important that she determined to walk within the room, and she or he also determined to stroll out — these had been her choices,” Welsh said.

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

“Issues have been going nicely, and I requested (Doe) if she wish to move to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger said. “She said ‘Certain.’ We got up, held palms and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours till practically 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury decided to break for the night. At one level, 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 due to the legislative ethics investigation — Doe confronted unrelenting harassment from a few of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her identify, photograph and personal details about her life had been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of the people who steadily harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, but law enforcement banned the person from the floor where the case was being heard.

During closing arguments, Farley informed jurors that the case was about “energy 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 energy to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley mentioned, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in several methods, 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 back and getting an injury reveals lack of consent,” Farley said.

However von Ehlinger’s attorney told jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “purple herrings,” and said von Ehlinger was a credible one that willingly took the stand to share his side of the story.

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