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 in which the younger woman fled the witness stand throughout testimony, saying “I can’t do that.”

The intern informed 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 representative, however he later resigned.

Von Ehlinger, 39, was found guilty Friday of rape. He was discovered 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 Decide Michael Reardon informed the jury: “This has been an unusual case attended by many unexpected circumstances, but I respect your attention ... and onerous work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of 1 12 months in prison in Idaho. The maximum penalty might 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 together with his attorney who eliminated items from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

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

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

The Associated Press generally does not establish people who say they have been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the woman in this case as “Jane Doe” at her request.

In a press conference, Ada County Prosecuting Legal professional Jan Bennetts thanked the jury, investigators and the prosecutors who handled the case.

“Last however not least, it took an incredible amount of courage for the victim in this case, Jane Doe, to come back forward,” Bennetts mentioned. “I wish 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 started, earlier than abruptly leaving the witness stand.

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

At that, she stood up.

“I can’t do this,” she said, rapidly 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 choose informed the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) from your minds as if it by no means happened,” as a result of the defense couldn't cross-examine her.

Through the press conference, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney 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 might not be capable to testify.

“I believe it’s important that she decided to walk within the room, and she also determined to walk out — these have been her choices,” Welsh mentioned.

During his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger often spoke in a transparent, loud voice directly to jurors, saying he and Doe decided to return to his condo to “hang out” after consuming at a fancy Boise restaurant. Then they started making out on the couch, he mentioned.

“Things were going nicely, and I asked (Doe) if she would like to move to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger said. “She mentioned ‘Certain.’ We received up, held arms and walked into the bed room.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours till almost 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 asked a query. No particulars have been made public in regards to the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations became public — largely due to the legislative ethics investigation — Doe faced unrelenting harassment from a few 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 regularly harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, however law enforcement banned the man from the floor the place the case was being heard.

Throughout closing arguments, Farley told jurors that the case was about “power within the incorrect arms” used to the “nice 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 a number of 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’ show lack of consent. Yanking your head back and getting an harm reveals lack of consent,” Farley stated.

However von Ehlinger’s attorney told jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “crimson herrings,” and said von Ehlinger was a reputable one that willingly took the stand to share his facet of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who carried out the sexual assault exam testified earlier this week. They mentioned Doe reported being pinned down whereas von Ehlinger compelled her to perform oral intercourse, and that she knew he incessantly carried a handgun and had positioned 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 back of her head from placing the wall or a headboard while attempting to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.