Idaho lawmaker accused of rape was warned about his behavior [View all]

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By REBECCA BOONE

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho lawmaker facing rape allegations from a 19-year-old intern was previously warned against hitting on women who work at the Statehouse after his colleagues heard complaints from other staffers, according to documents gathered by the Legislature’s ethics committee and obtained by The Associated Press.

The investigation into Lewiston Republican Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger’s conduct began in March when a 19-year-old legislative intern told a supervisor that the 38-year-old lawmaker raped her at his apartment after the two had dinner at a restaurant.

The Boise Police Department has a criminal investigation underway and the Legislature’s Ethics Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on Wednesday to determine if the lawmaker “engaged in conduct unbecoming a representative which is detrimental to the integrity of the House.” The Associated Press obtained the investigatory documents on Monday via a public records request.

Von Ehlinger has denied the allegations and maintains the sexual encounter was consensual.



Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger, R-Lewiston, attends opening business as the Idaho House of Representatives convenes Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at the Statehouse in Boise, Idaho. The Idaho lawmaker facing rape allegations from a 19-year-old intern was previously warned against hitting on women who work at the Statehouse after his colleagues heard complaints from other staffers, according to documents gathered by the Legislature’s ethics committee and obtained by The Associated Press. The Boise Police Department has a criminal investigation underway and the Legislature’s Ethics Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 28. (Darin Oswald/Idaho Statesman via AP)


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-idaho-07fc51b8d7a331e15dabd45a222e8adb