Aaron von Ehlinger, a former American lawyer, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the rape of a young intern.
On the wrong side of the law. A former US lawyer, Aaron von Ehlinger, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Wednesday for rape. He can apply for parole after 8 years. The “New York Times” explains that the 40-year-old man was convicted of raping a 19-year-old intern last April. The facts took place last year during a dinner. Once the matter came to light, the Republican attorney resigned from his position in the House of Representatives.
In addition to his sentence, he is expected to be listed on the sex offender database after his release from prison. He will also be banned from contacting his victim, nicknamed Jane Doe, until 2055. According to Judge Reardon, the lawyer would have “shown a lack of empathy” and “blamed” the victim. “You see yourself as a victim and you see yourself as a hero. And frankly, I don’t see you as either of them. You are responsible for the situation in which you find yourself today, ”launched the judge. When the charges were laid by the victim, supporters of Aaron Von Ehlinger released Jane Doe’s name, photo and personal details.
“It would be a sin to admit something I did not do”
In his defence, the defendant reminded the judge that he served as a paratrooper in the Afghan war and said he was trained in the military to protect people, especially women. He also said he went on pilgrimage to Israel, Jordan and Egypt before his trial. “I was finally baptized in the Jordan,” he said as he wore a cross around his neck. “I’ve confessed to many sins your honor – I’m not a perfect man – but rape was not a sin I could confess to. It would be a sin to admit something that I did not do,” he added.
The victim, whose identity remains protected, testified before the Idaho House Ethics and Policy Committee in April 2021. She said she was raped after having dinner at a restaurant. Instead of returning her to his car, the accused drove her home and raped her. “You have a habit of explaining, excusing, deflecting and blaming others for the circumstances in which you find yourself,” the judge further said.
In a recording of the victim, broadcast during the trial, she said she suffered today from panic attacks just by hearing the name of her rapist. She also had to install security systems and cameras outside her home. “I am here now. I’m scared, I’m here scared, I’m so petrified, but I will not be intimidated and will never remain silent because no other rapist should fall through the cracks of this justice system,” he said. she continued in the recording. “I hope it rots behind those cold metal bars.”