County pays for von Ehlinger to get trial transcripts. He wants rape verdict tossed
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Aaron von Ehlinger rape case
Former Idaho state Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger, R-Lewiston, was found guilty of raping a 19-year-old legislative intern by a 12-person jury in April. He is expected to be sentenced Wednesday, Aug. 31.
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Former Idaho Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger — who was convicted of rape in April — is a step closer to receiving a hearing regarding his request for an acquittal or retrial in his case.
Fourth District Judge Michael Reardon approved von Ehlinger’s request that transcripts of his four-day jury trial be paid for at Ada County’s expense after von Ehlinger said he “cannot afford to pay for it,” according to court documents obtained by the Idaho Statesman.
The estimated cost of the transcripts is $2,773, as long as von Ehlinger didn’t request that they be expedited.
A 12-person jury in April found von Ehlinger guilty of raping a legislative intern. The former intern, 19 at the time, said he forced himself on her at his apartment after they had dinner.
The 40-year-old von Ehlinger was booked into the Ada County Jail after the verdict. He faces anywhere from one year to life in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender. His sentencing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday, July 28.
Von Ehlinger has denied the sexual assault charge and said he had consensual sex with the accuser.
Von Ehlinger, a Juliaetta resident, resigned from the Idaho House last year just hours after a legislative ethics committee unanimously recommended that the Republican be expelled from his seat.
Once von Ehlinger receives the transcript, he will have 14 days to file an additional document in support of his motion to acquit or retry his case, according to an order signed by Reardon, Ada County Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Emily Lowe said. It is unclear when von Ehlinger is expected to receive the transcripts.
Boise-based attorney Jon Cox, who is representing von Ehlinger pro bono, previously filed a motion saying that there was insufficient evidence to convict von Ehlinger.
It’s unclear whether von Ehlinger would be expected to repay the transcript costs.
Affidavit details von Ehlinger’s finances
On average, von Ehlinger earns roughly $4,700 a month, according to a sworn affidavit submitted to the court. He receives about $1,100 a month from Social Security and a $3,600 disability pension from the U.S. Army.
According to the Social Security Administration, individuals “convicted of a criminal offense and sentenced to jail or prison for more than 30 continuous days” will have their benefits suspended. It is not clear whether the suspension begins upon conviction or sentencing. In addition, if a person is sentenced to jail or prison for at least a year, their payments will be terminated.
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs also reduces or terminates benefits for veterans convicted of a felony.
Von Ehlinger also said in the affidavit that he does not own any real property or have investments, and is not the beneficiary of any estate or trust. He said he does not have money in his checking or savings accounts.
“The only item I have that is worth more than a ($1,000) is my 2016 Dodge Ram truck,” von Ehlinger said in the affidavit. He added that the truck is financed, with a monthly payment of $550.
According to the affidavit, von Ehlinger’s truck payment and living expenses are $4,700 a month — the exact income he earns.
This story was originally published June 27, 2022 at 4:00 AM.
