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

The intern instructed a Statehouse supervisor that Aaron von Ehlinger raped her at his condo after the 2 had dinner at a Boise restaurant in March 2021. Von Ehlinger said the sex was consensual.

On the time, the Lewiston Republican was serving as a state representative, but he later resigned.

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

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

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

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

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

The Associated Press generally does not determine people who say they have been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the lady 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 dealt with the case.

“Final however not least, it took an unbelievable quantity of courage for the sufferer on this case, Jane Doe, to come forward,” Bennetts said. “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 put his fingers between my legs and I closed my knees,” Doe stated.

At that, she stood up.

“I can’t do that,” she said, rapidly walking out of the courtroom.

The decide gave the prosecuting attorneys 10 minutes to search 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) out of your minds as if it never happened,” because the protection could not cross-examine her.

During the press conference, Deputy Prosecuting Lawyer Katelyn Farley stated the moment Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” however mentioned she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had prepared for trial realizing that Doe may not be able to testify.

“I feel it’s necessary that she decided to stroll within the room, and she or he additionally determined to stroll out — those had been her choices,” Welsh stated.

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

“Things were going well, and I requested (Doe) if she wish to transfer to the bed room,” von Ehlinger said. “She mentioned ‘Certain.’ We received up, held arms and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours till practically 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 as a result of the jury requested a question. No details had been made public about the jury’s inquiry.

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

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

“He used that power to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley said, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in several ways, she said, highlighting the testimony of legislation 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 harm shows lack of consent,” Farley said.

However von Ehlinger’s legal professional told jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “red herrings,” and said von Ehlinger was a reputable 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 mentioned Doe reported being pinned down while von Ehlinger pressured her to carry out oral intercourse, and that she knew he steadily carried a handgun and had placed it on a dresser near the mattress at the time of the assault. The nurse additionally testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the again of her head from striking the wall or a headboard while trying to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.