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 by which the young 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 condo after the 2 had dinner at a Boise restaurant in March 2021. Von Ehlinger said the intercourse was consensual.

At 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 responsible of sexual penetration with a foreign object.

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

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

A felony rape conviction carries a minimal sentence of 1 12 months in prison in Idaho. The utmost penalty will be as high 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 with his lawyer who removed gadgets from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

The prosecution remained stoic as they left the courtroom, however as soon as they reached a decrease 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 comment after the trial.

The Related Press usually does not establish individuals who say they've been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the woman in 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 however not least, it took an unimaginable quantity of braveness for the victim in this case, Jane Doe, to come back forward,” 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 began, 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 that,” she stated, quickly strolling out of the courtroom.

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

When she didn't, the decide told the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) from your minds as if it by no means happened,” because the defense could not cross-examine her.

Throughout the press convention, Deputy Prosecuting Legal professional Katelyn Farley said the second Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” however said she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had ready for trial understanding that Doe might not have the ability to testify.

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

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

“Things were going effectively, and I asked (Doe) if she want to move to the bed room,” von Ehlinger mentioned. “She said ‘Positive.’ We got up, held palms and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until practically 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury determined to break for the night. At one point, the choose summoned the attorneys to his chambers as a result of the jury asked a question. No particulars had been made public in regards to the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations became public — largely due to the legislative ethics investigation — Doe faced unrelenting harassment from some of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her title, photograph and personal particulars about her life were repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many people who regularly 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 instructed jurors that the case was about “energy within the incorrect hands” used to the “nice devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and physical power over the petite intern, Farley stated.

“He used that energy to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley stated, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in a number of ways, 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 occur’ show lack of consent. Yanking your head again and getting an injury shows lack of consent,” Farley stated.

However von Ehlinger’s attorney told jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “pink herrings,” and mentioned von Ehlinger was a reputable one that willingly took the stand to share his aspect of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who performed the sexual assault examination testified earlier this week. They stated Doe reported being pinned down whereas von Ehlinger pressured her to carry out oral sex, and that she knew he ceaselessly carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser near the bed on the time of the assault. The nurse additionally testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the back of her head from placing the wall or a headboard whereas making an attempt to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.