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 wherein the young lady fled the witness stand during testimony, saying “I can’t do this.”

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

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

Von Ehlinger, 39, was discovered responsible Friday of rape. He was found not guilty 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 instructed the jury: “This has been an unusual case attended by many unexpected circumstances, however I admire your attention ... and exhausting work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of one 12 months in jail in Idaho. The utmost penalty may be as excessive as life in jail, at the choose’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 removed gadgets from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

The prosecution remained stoic as they left the courtroom, but as soon as they reached a lower ground they stopped to briefly to congratulate each other on the verdict.

Von Ehlinger’s legal professional, Jon Cox, couldn't be instantly reached for remark after the trial.

The Associated Press generally does not determine individuals who say they've been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the woman 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 unbelievable quantity of courage for the sufferer in this case, Jane Doe, to come back ahead,” Bennetts said. “I want to acknowledge the braveness that she took in coming forward.”

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 put 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 seek out her to determine if she would return and resume her testimony.

When she did not, the judge told the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) from your minds as if it never occurred,” because the defense couldn't cross-examine her.

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

“I think it’s necessary that she decided to walk in the room, and he or she additionally determined to walk out — these have been her choices,” Welsh mentioned.

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

“Things were going well, and I asked (Doe) if she would like to transfer to the bed room,” von Ehlinger mentioned. “She mentioned ‘Positive.’ We bought up, held arms and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours till almost 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury decided to interrupt for the evening. At one point, the decide summoned the attorneys to his chambers as a result of the jury asked a question. No particulars had been made public about 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 identify, photograph and private details about her life had been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many people who incessantly harassed her was within the courthouse to attend the trial, however law enforcement banned the person from the ground the place the case was being heard.

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

“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 regulation enforcement investigators and a nurse sexual assault examiner who interviewed Doe after the alleged assault.

“Phrases present lack of consent. Excuses of ‘Why this shouldn’t occur’ show lack of consent. Yanking your head again and getting an injury reveals lack of consent,” Farley mentioned.

However von Ehlinger’s lawyer advised jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “red herrings,” and said von Ehlinger was a credible one that willingly took the stand to share his side of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who performed the sexual assault exam testified earlier this week. They stated Doe reported being pinned down while von Ehlinger pressured her to perform oral sex, and that she knew he frequently carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser near the bed on the time of the assault. The nurse also testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the again of her head from placing the wall or a headboard while attempting to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.