Former Idaho lawmaker found 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 wherein 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 condominium after the two 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, but he later resigned.

Von Ehlinger, 39, was found guilty Friday of rape. He was discovered not guilty 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 told the jury: “This has been an uncommon case attended by many surprising circumstances, however I admire your attention ... and exhausting work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of 1 year in jail in Idaho. The utmost penalty could be as high 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 together with his attorney who removed items from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

The prosecution remained stoic as they left the courtroom, however once they reached a decrease flooring they stopped to briefly to congratulate each other on the verdict.

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

The Related Press generally doesn't establish 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 conference, Ada County Prosecuting Lawyer Jan Bennetts thanked the jury, investigators and the prosecutors who dealt with the case.

“Final however not least, it took an unbelievable quantity of courage for the victim in this case, Jane Doe, to return forward,” Bennetts mentioned. “I need 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 began, earlier than abruptly leaving the witness stand.

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

At that, she stood up.

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

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

When she did not, the choose advised the jurors they had to “strike (Doe’s testimony) out of your minds as if it by no means occurred,” because the defense couldn't cross-examine her.

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

“I think it’s essential that she decided to stroll within the room, and he or she also decided to stroll out — those were her choices,” Welsh stated.

During his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger typically spoke in a transparent, 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 began making out on the sofa, he mentioned.

“Things were going effectively, and I requested (Doe) if she wish to move to the bed room,” von Ehlinger stated. “She stated ‘Sure.’ We obtained up, held palms and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours till almost 8 p.m. Thursday earlier than the jury determined to break for the night. At one point, the decide summoned the attorneys to his chambers as a result of the jury asked a question. No details have been made public concerning the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations turned public — largely because of the legislative ethics investigation — Doe faced unrelenting harassment from a few of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her name, photo and personal particulars about her life have been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many individuals who frequently harassed her was within the courthouse to attend the trial, however legislation enforcement banned the man from the floor where the case was being heard.

Throughout closing arguments, Farley instructed jurors that the case was about “power within the improper fingers” used to the “great 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 mentioned, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in a number of ways, she said, highlighting the testimony of regulation enforcement investigators and a nurse sexual assault examiner who interviewed Doe after the alleged assault.

“Words show lack of consent. Excuses of ‘Why this shouldn’t happen’ present lack of consent. Yanking your head again and getting an damage shows lack of consent,” Farley mentioned.

However von Ehlinger’s attorney instructed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “purple herrings,” and said von Ehlinger was a reputable 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 said Doe reported being pinned down whereas von Ehlinger forced her to carry out oral sex, and that she knew he frequently carried a handgun and had placed 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 while trying to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.