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 lady 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 residence after the 2 had dinner at a Boise restaurant in March 2021. Von Ehlinger mentioned the intercourse was consensual.

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

Von Ehlinger, 39, was discovered responsible 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 throughout the trial.

Afterward, 4th District Choose Michael Reardon told the jury: “This has been an uncommon case attended by many unexpected circumstances, however I recognize your consideration ... and laborious work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of one year in jail in Idaho. The maximum penalty could be as excessive as life in prison, on the decide’s discretion. Sentencing has been scheduled for July 28.

As von Ehlinger was remanded into custody and handcuffed, he talked quietly with his lawyer who removed objects from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

The prosecution remained stoic as they left the courtroom, but 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 immediately reached for remark after the trial.

The Related Press typically doesn't identify individuals who say they have been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the lady in this case as “Jane Doe” at her request.

In a press convention, Ada County Prosecuting Lawyer Jan Bennetts thanked the jury, investigators and the prosecutors who handled the case.

“Last however not least, it took an unbelievable quantity of courage for the victim in this case, Jane Doe, to come back ahead,” 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, earlier than 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, quickly 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 decide told the jurors they needed to “strike (Doe’s testimony) from your minds as if it never happened,” as a result of the protection couldn't cross-examine her.

During the press conference, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katelyn Farley stated the moment Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” but said she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had prepared for trial understanding that Doe may not be able to testify.

“I think it’s important that she determined to stroll in the room, and he or she additionally determined to walk out — these had been her choices,” Welsh stated.

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

“Things were going effectively, and I asked (Doe) if she wish to transfer to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger mentioned. “She said ‘Sure.’ We got up, held fingers and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until almost 8 p.m. Thursday earlier than the jury determined to interrupt for the evening. At one level, the choose summoned the attorneys to his chambers because the jury asked a query. No particulars have been made public concerning the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations became public — largely because of the legislative ethics investigation — Doe faced unrelenting harassment from a few of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her identify, picture and private particulars about her life have been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many individuals who often harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, but law enforcement banned the person from the floor the place the case was being heard.

Throughout closing arguments, Farley advised jurors that the case was about “power within the flawed hands” used to the “nice devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and bodily energy over the petite intern, Farley stated.

“He used that energy to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley said, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in a number of ways, she mentioned, highlighting the testimony of legislation 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 occur’ present lack of consent. Yanking your head again and getting an injury shows lack of consent,” Farley mentioned.

But von Ehlinger’s attorney instructed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “red herrings,” and stated 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 said Doe reported being pinned down whereas von Ehlinger pressured her to perform oral intercourse, and that she knew he often carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser near the mattress at the time of the assault. The nurse also testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the again of her head from putting the wall or a headboard whereas trying to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.