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 by which the young woman 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 residence after the two had dinner at a Boise restaurant in March 2021. Von Ehlinger stated the intercourse was consensual.

On 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 found not guilty 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 instructed the jury: “This has been an unusual case attended by many surprising circumstances, however I appreciate your consideration ... and onerous work.”

A felony rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of 1 year in jail in Idaho. The maximum penalty might 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 lawyer who removed 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 one another on the verdict.

Von Ehlinger’s legal professional, Jon Cox, could not be instantly reached for comment after the trial.

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

In a press convention, Ada County Prosecuting Attorney Jan Bennetts thanked the jury, investigators and the prosecutors who dealt with the case.

“Final however not least, it took an unimaginable quantity of courage for the victim in this case, Jane Doe, to come back ahead,” Bennetts stated. “I wish 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 put his fingers between my legs and I closed my knees,” Doe said.

At that, she stood up.

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

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

When she didn't, the judge told the jurors they needed to “strike (Doe’s testimony) from your minds as if it never occurred,” as a result of the protection couldn't cross-examine her.

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

“I think it’s essential that she decided to walk within the room, and he or she additionally decided to stroll out — those were her selections,” Welsh said.

During his testimony Thursday, von Ehlinger usually spoke in a transparent, loud voice directly to jurors, saying he and Doe determined to return to his apartment to “hang out” after eating at a elaborate Boise restaurant. Then they began making out on the sofa, he stated.

“Issues were going properly, and I asked (Doe) if she would like to transfer to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger mentioned. “She said ‘Positive.’ We received up, held fingers and walked into the bedroom.”

Deliberations stretched for seven hours until nearly 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury decided to interrupt for the night. At one point, the decide summoned the attorneys to his chambers as a result of the jury requested a query. No details had been made public in regards to 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 title, photo and personal particulars about her life were repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of the individuals who continuously harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, however law enforcement banned the person from the floor the place the case was being heard.

During closing arguments, Farley instructed jurors that the case was about “power in the mistaken fingers” used to the “great devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and bodily 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 said, highlighting the testimony of legislation 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 occur’ show lack of consent. Yanking your head back and getting an damage reveals lack of consent,” Farley said.

However von Ehlinger’s attorney informed jurors the prosecution’s case was made up of “crimson herrings,” and mentioned 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 stated Doe reported being pinned down whereas von Ehlinger forced her to perform oral intercourse, and that she knew he steadily carried a handgun and had positioned it on a dresser close to the mattress on the time of the assault. The nurse also 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.