Former Idaho lawmaker found guilty 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 young woman fled the witness stand throughout testimony, saying “I can’t do this.”

The intern instructed 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.

On the time, the Lewiston Republican was serving as a state consultant, however he later resigned.

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

Von Ehlinger sat calmly as the verdict was learn, as he has throughout the trial.

Afterward, 4th District Decide Michael Reardon told the jury: “This has been an unusual case attended by many unexpected circumstances, but I respect your consideration ... and arduous work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of one 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 legal professional who removed objects from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

The prosecution remained stoic as they left the courtroom, but as soon as they reached a lower floor they stopped to briefly to congratulate one another on the decision.

Von Ehlinger’s lawyer, Jon Cox, could not be instantly reached for remark after the trial.

The Related Press typically doesn't determine individuals who say they've been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the girl on this case as “Jane Doe” at her request.

In a press convention, Ada County Prosecuting Legal professional Jan Bennetts thanked the jury, investigators and the prosecutors who handled the case.

“Final but not least, it took an unbelievable amount of courage for the victim in this case, Jane Doe, to return ahead,” Bennetts mentioned. “I need 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 this,” she said, rapidly 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 informed the jurors they needed to “strike (Doe’s testimony) from your minds as if it by no means occurred,” because the defense could not cross-examine her.

In the course of the press convention, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katelyn Farley stated the moment Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” however mentioned she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had prepared for trial knowing that Doe may not be able to testify.

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

Throughout his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger typically spoke in a clear, loud voice on to jurors, saying he and Doe decided to return to his house 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 would like to move to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger mentioned. “She mentioned ‘Certain.’ We acquired up, held hands and walked into the bed room.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours till nearly 8 p.m. Thursday earlier than the jury decided to interrupt for the evening. At one point, the decide summoned the attorneys to his chambers because the jury asked a query. No particulars have been made public concerning the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations turned public — largely because of the legislative ethics investigation — Doe confronted unrelenting harassment from a few of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her title, picture and personal particulars about her life were repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of the people who continuously harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, but law enforcement banned the man from the ground where the case was being heard.

During closing arguments, Farley instructed jurors that the case was about “energy within the mistaken arms” used to the “nice devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and physical power over the petite intern, Farley said.

“He used that power to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley stated, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in a number of methods, she said, highlighting the testimony of legislation 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 happen’ show lack of consent. Yanking your head back and getting an injury exhibits lack of consent,” Farley said.

But von Ehlinger’s lawyer informed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “red herrings,” and mentioned von Ehlinger was a reputable person who willingly took the stand to share his facet of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who carried out the sexual assault examination testified earlier this week. They said Doe reported being pinned down whereas von Ehlinger forced her to carry out oral sex, and that she knew he steadily carried a handgun and had placed it on a dresser close to the mattress at the time of the assault. The nurse also testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the again of her head from putting the wall or a headboard while attempting to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.