Former Idaho lawmaker discovered 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 woman 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 apartment after the two 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 found guilty Friday of rape. He was found not responsible of sexual penetration with a foreign object.

Von Ehlinger sat calmly as the verdict was learn, as he has throughout the trial.

Afterward, 4th District Judge Michael Reardon advised the jury: “This has been an uncommon case attended by many sudden circumstances, however I appreciate your consideration ... and onerous work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of 1 yr in jail in Idaho. The utmost penalty may 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 legal professional who eliminated items from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

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

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

The Associated Press typically does not establish 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 handled the case.

“Last however not least, it took an unimaginable quantity of braveness for the victim on this case, Jane Doe, to return forward,” Bennetts stated. “I wish 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, earlier than abruptly leaving the witness stand.

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

At that, she stood up.

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

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

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

In the course of the press conference, Deputy Prosecuting Lawyer Katelyn Farley mentioned the moment Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” however said she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had ready 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 additionally determined to stroll out — those had been her selections,” Welsh said.

During his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger often spoke in a clear, loud voice directly to jurors, saying he and Doe determined to return to his apartment to “hang out” after consuming at a fancy Boise restaurant. Then they began making out on the sofa, he mentioned.

“Issues had been going effectively, and I asked (Doe) if she wish to transfer to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger said. “She said ‘Certain.’ We received up, held arms and walked into the bed room.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until practically 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury decided to break 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 were made public concerning the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations turned public — largely due to the legislative ethics investigation — Doe faced unrelenting harassment from some of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her name, picture and personal details about her life have been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many individuals who continuously harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, but regulation enforcement banned the man from the floor where the case was being heard.

During closing arguments, Farley told jurors that the case was about “power in the flawed palms” used to the “great devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and bodily energy over the petite intern, Farley mentioned.

“He used that energy to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley stated, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in several methods, 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 occur’ present lack of consent. Yanking your head again and getting an damage reveals lack of consent,” Farley stated.

However von Ehlinger’s attorney instructed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “red herrings,” and said von Ehlinger was a reputable one who willingly took the stand to share his facet 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 compelled her to carry out oral intercourse, and that she knew he frequently carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser close to the bed at 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 trying to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.