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

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

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

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

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

Afterward, 4th District Decide Michael Reardon advised the jury: “This has been an unusual case attended by many surprising circumstances, however I respect your consideration ... and hard work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimal sentence of 1 yr 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 along with his lawyer who removed items 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 each other on the verdict.

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

The Associated Press usually 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 conference, Ada County Prosecuting Lawyer Jan Bennetts thanked the jury, investigators and the prosecutors who dealt with the case.

“Final however not least, it took an incredible quantity of courage for the sufferer on this case, Jane Doe, to come back forward,” Bennetts stated. “I want to acknowledge the courage that she took in coming forward.”

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 put his fingers between my legs and I closed my knees,” Doe said.

At that, she stood up.

“I can’t do this,” she mentioned, rapidly strolling 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 choose told the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) from your minds as if it never occurred,” because the protection couldn't cross-examine her.

Through the press conference, 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 figuring out that Doe may not have the ability to testify.

“I think it’s vital that she determined to stroll within the room, and he or she additionally decided to stroll out — these were her choices,” Welsh said.

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

“Things had been going nicely, and I asked (Doe) if she would like to transfer to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger mentioned. “She mentioned ‘Certain.’ We bought up, held palms and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until almost 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury decided to break for the night. At one point, the choose summoned the attorneys to his chambers because the jury requested a query. No details were made public concerning the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations turned public — largely due to the legislative ethics investigation — Doe confronted unrelenting harassment from some of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her name, picture and personal particulars about her life were repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many people who steadily harassed her was within 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 informed jurors that the case was about “power within the flawed hands” 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 methods, she said, highlighting the testimony of law 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 happen’ show lack of consent. Yanking your head back and getting an damage exhibits lack of consent,” Farley mentioned.

However von Ehlinger’s legal professional instructed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “pink herrings,” and said von Ehlinger was a credible one who willingly took the stand to share his aspect of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who performed the sexual assault exam testified earlier this week. They said Doe reported being pinned down while von Ehlinger forced her to carry out oral intercourse, and that she knew he often carried a handgun and had positioned 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 attempting to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.