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 younger lady fled the witness stand during testimony, saying “I can’t do this.”

The intern advised a Statehouse supervisor that Aaron von Ehlinger raped her at his condo 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 consultant, however 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 decision 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 unexpected circumstances, but I admire your consideration ... and exhausting work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimal sentence of 1 year in prison in Idaho. The maximum penalty may be as excessive as life in jail, 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 legal professional who removed items from von Ehlinger’s pockets.

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

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

The Related Press usually does not establish individuals who say they've 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 Legal professional Jan Bennetts thanked the jury, investigators and the prosecutors who dealt with the case.

“Final but not least, it took an incredible quantity of courage for the sufferer on this case, Jane Doe, to come back ahead,” Bennetts mentioned. “I need to acknowledge the braveness 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 put his fingers between my legs and I closed my knees,” Doe mentioned.

At that, she stood up.

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

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

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

Throughout the press conference, Deputy Prosecuting Lawyer Katelyn Farley mentioned the moment Doe left the trial was “heart-wrenching,” however mentioned she and deputy prosecutor Whitney Welsh had ready for trial realizing that Doe might not be able to testify.

“I think it’s important that she determined to stroll within the room, and she additionally determined to stroll out — these were her decisions,” Welsh said.

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 condominium to “hang out” after consuming at a fancy Boise restaurant. Then they started making out on the sofa, he mentioned.

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

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until practically 8 p.m. Thursday earlier than the jury determined to interrupt for the evening. At one point, the choose summoned the attorneys to his chambers as a result of the jury requested a query. No particulars were made public concerning the jury’s inquiry.

When the allegations turned public — largely due to the legislative ethics investigation — Doe confronted unrelenting harassment from some of von Ehlinger’s supporters. Her identify, picture and personal details about her life have been repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of many people who often harassed her was within the courthouse to attend the trial, however legislation enforcement banned the man from the floor the place the case was being heard.

Throughout closing arguments, Farley informed jurors that the case was about “power in the wrong fingers” 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 said, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in a number of 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 exhibits lack of consent,” Farley stated.

But von Ehlinger’s legal professional told jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “crimson herrings,” and said von Ehlinger was a credible one that willingly took the stand to share his side of the story.

The investigators and the nurse who carried out the sexual assault exam testified earlier this week. They stated Doe reported being pinned down while von Ehlinger pressured her to carry out oral sex, and that she knew he frequently carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser near the mattress on the time of the assault. The nurse additionally testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the again of her head from placing the wall or a headboard whereas attempting to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger’s grip.