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

The intern informed a Statehouse supervisor that Aaron von Ehlinger raped her at his condo after the 2 had dinner at a Boise restaurant in March 2021. Von Ehlinger said the intercourse 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 found not responsible 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 Choose Michael Reardon advised the jury: “This has been an unusual case attended by many surprising circumstances, however I admire your consideration ... and hard work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of one 12 months in prison in Idaho. The utmost penalty will be as excessive as life in prison, at 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 legal professional who removed gadgets from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

The prosecution remained stoic as they left the courtroom, however once they reached a lower flooring they stopped to briefly to congratulate one another on the verdict.

Von Ehlinger’s attorney, Jon Cox, could not be immediately reached for remark after the trial.

The Related Press typically does not determine people 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.

“Final however not least, it took an unimaginable quantity of braveness for the victim on this case, Jane Doe, to return 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 began, earlier than abruptly leaving the witness stand.

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

At that, she stood up.

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

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

When she didn't, the choose told the jurors they needed to “strike (Doe’s testimony) out of your minds as if it by no means occurred,” as a result of the protection could not cross-examine her.

Through the press convention, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katelyn Farley stated the second Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” however said she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had prepared for trial knowing that Doe may not be capable of testify.

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

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 house to “hang around” after consuming at a elaborate Boise restaurant. Then they started making out on the couch, he said.

“Things had been going well, and I asked (Doe) if she wish to transfer to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger said. “She mentioned ‘Positive.’ We obtained up, held hands and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours till nearly 8 p.m. Thursday earlier than the jury determined to break 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 about the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations became public — largely because of the legislative ethics investigation — Doe faced unrelenting harassment from some of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her title, photo and private details about her life were repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many people who often harassed her was within the courthouse to attend the trial, but legislation enforcement banned the man from the ground the place the case was being heard.

During closing arguments, Farley advised jurors that the case was about “energy within the incorrect arms” used to the “great devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and physical energy over the petite intern, Farley mentioned.

“He used that power to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley said, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in several ways, she stated, highlighting the testimony of regulation 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 back and getting an damage exhibits lack of consent,” Farley said.

But von Ehlinger’s lawyer informed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “red herrings,” and mentioned von Ehlinger was a reputable one that willingly took the stand to share his aspect of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who performed the sexual assault examination testified earlier this week. They stated Doe reported being pinned down while von Ehlinger compelled her to perform oral sex, and that she knew he frequently carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser close to 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 striking the wall or a headboard whereas making an attempt to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.