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 by which the younger 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 residence after the two 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 overseas object.

Von Ehlinger sat calmly as the verdict was learn, 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 recognize your attention ... and arduous work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of one 12 months in prison in Idaho. The maximum penalty can be as excessive as life in jail, on 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 eliminated objects from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

The prosecution remained stoic as they left the courtroom, but once they reached a decrease ground they stopped to briefly to congratulate one another on the decision.

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

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

“Last however not least, it took an incredible quantity of courage for the sufferer in this case, Jane Doe, to return forward,” Bennetts mentioned. “I need 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 began, earlier than 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 this,” she said, quickly strolling out of the courtroom.

The judge 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 judge advised the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) out of your minds as if it never happened,” as a result of the defense could not cross-examine her.

Throughout the press conference, Deputy Prosecuting Legal professional Katelyn Farley said the second Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” but stated she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had prepared for trial understanding that Doe may not be capable of testify.

“I feel it’s essential that she determined to walk within the room, and she additionally decided to walk out — these have been her decisions,” Welsh stated.

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

“Issues have been going effectively, and I requested (Doe) if she wish to transfer to the bed room,” von Ehlinger stated. “She mentioned ‘Positive.’ We acquired up, held palms and walked into the bed room.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until almost 8 p.m. Thursday earlier than the jury decided to interrupt for the night. At one level, the decide summoned the attorneys to his chambers as a result of the jury asked a query. No details have 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 some of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her title, photo 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, however 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 within the wrong fingers” used to the “nice devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and bodily energy over the petite intern, Farley mentioned.

“He used that power to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley stated, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in a number of ways, she stated, 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 harm shows lack of consent,” Farley mentioned.

However von Ehlinger’s attorney informed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “purple herrings,” and stated von Ehlinger was a credible person who willingly took the stand to share his side of the story.

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