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 during which the young woman fled the witness stand during testimony, saying “I can’t do that.”

The intern told a Statehouse supervisor that Aaron von Ehlinger raped her at his apartment after the 2 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 discovered not guilty of sexual penetration with a foreign object.

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

Afterward, 4th District Judge Michael Reardon informed the jury: “This has been an uncommon case attended by many surprising circumstances, but I appreciate your attention ... and arduous work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimal sentence of 1 12 months in jail in Idaho. The utmost penalty can be as high as life in prison, on 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 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, couldn't be instantly reached for remark after the trial.

The Associated Press usually doesn't establish people who say they've been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the girl in this case as “Jane Doe” at her request.

In a press convention, 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 victim on this case, Jane Doe, to come ahead,” 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 place his fingers between my legs and I closed my knees,” Doe said.

At that, she stood up.

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

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

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

Throughout the press convention, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katelyn Farley stated the moment Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” but said she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had ready for trial figuring out that Doe could not be capable to testify.

“I feel it’s necessary that she determined to walk within the room, and she or he additionally determined to walk out — those have been her decisions,” Welsh said.

During his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger typically spoke in a clear, loud voice directly to jurors, saying he and Doe decided to return to his apartment to “hang out” after eating at a elaborate Boise restaurant. Then they started making out on the sofa, he said.

“Issues were going well, and I requested (Doe) if she want to transfer to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger mentioned. “She stated ‘Positive.’ We obtained up, held fingers and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours till nearly 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury determined to interrupt for the night. At one level, the judge summoned the attorneys to his chambers because the jury requested a question. No particulars have been made public about the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations became public — largely due to the legislative ethics investigation — Doe faced unrelenting harassment from some of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her title, photo and private particulars about her life had been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many individuals who ceaselessly harassed her was within the courthouse to attend the trial, but law 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 mistaken arms” used to the “great devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and physical 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 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 happen’ present lack of consent. Yanking your head back and getting an injury shows lack of consent,” Farley said.

But von Ehlinger’s attorney instructed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “pink herrings,” and said von Ehlinger was a credible person 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 whereas von Ehlinger pressured her to carry out oral intercourse, and that she knew he continuously carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser close to the bed on the time of the assault. The nurse additionally testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the back of her head from putting the wall or a headboard while attempting to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.