Boise State Public Radio Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger (R-Lewiston) during the first day of an ethics hearing into allegations he raped a volunteer staff member.
Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger (R-Lewiston) has resigned following a scathing two-day hearing by the House ethics committee over allegations he raped a 19-year-old intern.
“I have determined that I will not be able to effectively represent my constituents in the Idaho House of Representatives,” von Ehlinger wrote in his resignation letter.
He called the committee’s recommendation “expulsion in all but name.” The committee Thursday unanimously recommended suspending von Ehlinger through 2022 without pay.
Rep. Wendy Horman (R-Idaho Falls), who made the motion, said the five members of the committee would also unanimously support expelling Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger (R-Lewiston) from the House permanently.
Idaho lawmaker accused of rape resigns after ethics committee backs expulsion
Several lawmakers confirmed to KTVB that Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger has resigned from his seat at the Legislature just hours after the ethics committee s vote. Author: Katie Terhune Updated: 5:18 PM MDT April 29, 2021
BOISE, Idaho An Idaho lawmaker accused of raping a Statehouse intern resigned Thursday afternoon just hours after a legislative ethics committee voted that he should be suspended or permanently expelled for misconduct.
Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger s resignation letter was read aloud on the House floor Thursday afternoon. After careful deliberation and prayer, I have determined that I will not be able to effectively represent my constituents in the House of Representatives, and have decided to resign my seat effective immediately, von Ehlinger wrote in the letter. He added that he maintains his innocence of any wrongdoing.
Idaho state representative accused of rape goes before ethics committee
Aaron von Ehlinger s fellow lawmakers will determine whether he acted inappropriately, and can recommend sanctions including expulsion from the Legislature. Author: Katie Terhune Updated: 5:14 PM MDT April 28, 2021
BOISE, Idaho
Note: This story contains descriptions of sexual assault that may not be suitable for all readers.
A 19-year-old intern at the Idaho Legislature testified during a Wednesday ethics hearing that Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger raped her in his apartment last month, despite her repeatedly telling him no and that she did not think they should have sex.
The woman, identified as Jane Doe, functions as a main witness in the hearing in which a committee of von Ehlinger s fellow lawmakers will determine whether he acted inappropriately and can recommend sanctions including expulsion from the Legislature.
Boise State Public Radio
Rep. Aaron Von Ehlinger (R-Lewiston) on Idaho Capitol steps on Jan. 6 speaking during a local demonstration showing solidarity with “stop-the-steal” protestors in DC, which later turned violent. He s now under investigation for alleged rape.
Transcripts of interviews with House Republican leaders show two other women who work at the Idaho Capitol said a representative, who’s facing an ethics investigation for alleged rape, made them feel uncomfortable.
Boise State Public Radio obtained the documents filed with the House Ethics and House Policy Committee through a public records request.
They reveal that an unnamed lobbyist went to House Majority Caucus Chair Megan Blanksma (R-Hammett) earlier this year to describe two encounters she had with Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger (R-Lewiston) over the past several months.
Gustavo Sagrero / Boise State Public Radio
Idaho state Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger (R-Lewiston), is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for “unconsented sexual contact” with an adult volunteer, according to the Lewiston Tribune.
In a news release to the newspaper, von Ehlinger denied the accusation and said he was fully cooperating with the investigation.
“This episode is an embarrassment to me, but I assure my constituents in Nez Perce and Lewis counties that I have not broken any laws or legislative rules, nor have I violated the concepts of appropriate social conduct,” he told the Lewiston Tribune.
His lawyer, former Lt. Gov. David Leroy, told the newspaper the ethics complaint is expected to be released later Friday.