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

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

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

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

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

Afterward, 4th District Judge Michael Reardon told the jury: “This has been an unusual case attended by many surprising circumstances, however I recognize your consideration ... and exhausting work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of 1 year in jail in Idaho. The maximum penalty will be as excessive as life in prison, on the judge’s discretion. Sentencing has been scheduled for July 28.

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

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

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

The Associated Press typically doesn't identify individuals who say they have been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the girl 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.

“Last but not least, it took an unimaginable amount of braveness for the victim on this case, Jane Doe, to return ahead,” Bennetts mentioned. “I want 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 said.

At that, she stood up.

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

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

When she did not, the judge informed the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) from your minds as if it never happened,” as a result of the defense could not cross-examine her.

In the course of the press conference, Deputy Prosecuting Lawyer Katelyn Farley stated the second Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” however mentioned she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had prepared for trial knowing that Doe might not be capable to testify.

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

During his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger typically spoke in a clear, loud voice directly to jurors, saying he and Doe determined to return to his condominium to “hang out” after eating at a elaborate Boise restaurant. Then they started making out on the couch, he stated.

“Issues had been going well, and I asked (Doe) if she would like to move to the bed room,” von Ehlinger mentioned. “She said ‘Sure.’ We bought up, held fingers and walked into the bed room.”

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

When the allegations became public — largely due to the legislative ethics investigation — Doe confronted unrelenting harassment from a few of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her title, photograph and private details about her life were repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of the individuals who steadily harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, however legislation enforcement banned the person from the floor the place the case was being heard.

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

“He used that power to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley said, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in several ways, she stated, highlighting the testimony of legislation enforcement investigators and a nurse sexual assault examiner who interviewed Doe after the alleged assault.

“Words show lack of consent. Excuses of ‘Why this shouldn’t occur’ show lack of consent. Yanking your head again and getting an damage shows lack of consent,” Farley stated.

But von Ehlinger’s lawyer instructed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “purple herrings,” and mentioned von Ehlinger was a reputable one that willingly took the stand to share his side of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who carried out the sexual assault exam testified earlier this week. They mentioned Doe reported being pinned down while von Ehlinger pressured her to carry out oral sex, and that she knew he regularly carried a handgun and had placed it on a dresser close to the mattress at the time of the assault. The nurse additionally testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the back of her head from putting the wall or a headboard while making an attempt to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.