Former Idaho lawmaker pleads not guilty to rape charges

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A former Idaho lawmaker has pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges and is scheduled to stand trial next spring. Aaron von Ehlinger was a Republican state representative from Lewiston when a 19-year-old legislative intern reported that he brought her to his apartment under false pretenses and raped her. Von Ehlinger, who is 39, has denied all wrongdoing and maintains he had consensual sexual contact with the woman. The Associated Press doesn’t name people who say they have been sexually assault unless they agree to be publicly named. Fourth District Judge Michael Reardon has set the trial for April 26.