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 wherein the young woman 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 apartment after the two had dinner at a Boise restaurant in March 2021. Von Ehlinger stated the intercourse was consensual.

At the time, the Lewiston Republican was serving as a state consultant, however he later resigned.

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

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

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

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of one yr in prison in Idaho. The utmost penalty may be as excessive as life in jail, at the decide’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 removed items from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

The prosecution remained stoic as they left the courtroom, but as soon as they reached a decrease flooring they stopped to briefly to congratulate one another on the verdict.

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

The Associated Press usually doesn't identify people 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 Attorney Jan Bennetts thanked the jury, investigators and the prosecutors who handled the case.

“Last but not least, it took an unbelievable amount of braveness for the victim on this case, Jane Doe, to come forward,” Bennetts said. “I need 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, before abruptly leaving the witness stand.

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

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 search out her to find out if she would return and resume her testimony.

When she didn't, the choose advised the jurors they needed to “strike (Doe’s testimony) from your minds as if it never occurred,” as a result of the protection couldn't cross-examine her.

During the press convention, 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 understanding that Doe might not be capable to testify.

“I believe it’s vital that she determined to stroll in the room, and he or she also determined to walk out — these were her decisions,” 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 residence to “hang around” after consuming at a flowery Boise restaurant. Then they began making out on the sofa, he stated.

“Things have been going well, and I asked (Doe) if she want to move to the bed room,” von Ehlinger mentioned. “She mentioned ‘Certain.’ We acquired up, held palms and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until practically 8 p.m. Thursday earlier than the jury determined to interrupt for the evening. At one level, the judge summoned the attorneys to his chambers because the jury requested a question. No details had been made public concerning the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations grew to become public — largely due to the legislative ethics investigation — Doe faced unrelenting harassment from a few of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her identify, picture and private details about her life were repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many people who steadily harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, but legislation enforcement banned the man from the floor where the case was being heard.

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

“He used that power to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley mentioned, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in several methods, she stated, highlighting the testimony of law 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 happen’ present lack of consent. Yanking your head again and getting an harm reveals lack of consent,” Farley mentioned.

But von Ehlinger’s attorney informed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “crimson herrings,” and said von Ehlinger was a reputable person who willingly took the stand to share his facet of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who carried out the sexual assault examination 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 continuously 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 hanging the wall or a headboard whereas trying to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.