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 younger girl fled the witness stand throughout testimony, saying “I can’t do this.”

The intern advised a Statehouse supervisor that Aaron von Ehlinger raped her at his residence after the 2 had dinner at a Boise restaurant in March 2021. Von Ehlinger mentioned 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 guilty Friday of rape. He was discovered not guilty of sexual penetration with a overseas object.

Von Ehlinger sat calmly as the verdict was read, as he has all through the trial.

Afterward, 4th District Choose Michael Reardon informed the jury: “This has been an unusual case attended by many unexpected circumstances, however I recognize your attention ... and arduous work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of one year in prison in Idaho. The utmost penalty will be as excessive as life in prison, at the decide’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 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 legal professional, Jon Cox, could not be immediately reached for remark after the trial.

The Related Press generally doesn't determine individuals who say they have been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the woman 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 quantity of courage for the sufferer on this case, Jane Doe, to come ahead,” Bennetts stated. “I need to acknowledge the braveness that she took in coming ahead.”

Doe testified on the second day of the trial. She haltingly described the moments the alleged assault started, before abruptly leaving the witness stand.

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

At that, she stood up.

“I can’t do this,” she mentioned, rapidly strolling out of the courtroom.

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

When she did not, the choose told the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) out of your minds as if it never occurred,” as a result of the protection could not cross-examine her.

Throughout the press conference, Deputy Prosecuting Legal professional Katelyn Farley said the moment Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” but mentioned she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had ready for trial knowing that Doe could not be capable to testify.

“I think it’s important that she decided to walk within the room, and he or she additionally decided to stroll out — these had been her choices,” Welsh mentioned.

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 apartment to “hang around” after consuming at a elaborate Boise restaurant. Then they started making out on the couch, he said.

“Issues have been going nicely, and I requested (Doe) if she wish to transfer to the bed room,” von Ehlinger mentioned. “She said ‘Positive.’ We obtained up, held hands and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours till practically 8 p.m. Thursday earlier than the jury determined to interrupt for the night. At one point, the judge summoned the attorneys to his chambers as a result of the jury asked a question. No details were made public concerning the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations became public — largely due to the legislative ethics investigation — Doe confronted unrelenting harassment from some of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her title, photograph and personal particulars about her life have been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many individuals who ceaselessly harassed her was within the courthouse to attend the trial, but regulation enforcement banned the man from the ground the place the case was being heard.

During closing arguments, Farley advised jurors that the case was about “power within the flawed palms” 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 said, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in several ways, she said, highlighting the testimony of law 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’ present lack of consent. Yanking your head back and getting an harm exhibits lack of consent,” Farley said.

However von Ehlinger’s attorney instructed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “pink herrings,” and stated von Ehlinger was a credible one who 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 said Doe reported being pinned down while von Ehlinger forced her to carry out oral sex, and that she knew he frequently carried a handgun and had placed it on a dresser close to the bed on the time of the assault. The nurse also testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the again of her head from hanging the wall or a headboard while making an attempt to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.