Rapist in hostage case to serve 15 to 32 years

Boalsburg resident Shane A. Dawson, convicted in October 1998 of kidnapping and raping his ex-fiancee, was sentenced last month by Centre County Judge Thomas K. Kistler.

Dawson held his ex-fiancee hostage for seven hours in November 1997 after she ended their engagement. Dawson and the woman have since married.

Kistler sentenced Dawson to consecutive five- to 10-year sentences for each of the burglary, kidnapping and rape convictions, Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar said.

Dawson also was sentenced to five to 10 years for each of two counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, which will be served at the same time as the other three sentences, Gricar said. Dawson was sentenced to 90 days to two years for driving under the influence, which also will be served consecutively with the burglary, kidnapping and rape sentences.

The total sentence for Dawson is from 15 years and three months to a maximum of 32 years in state prison, Gricar said, adding Dawson will be eligible for parole after serving 15 years and three months. Gricar said parole for Dawson will depend upon his behavior in prison and the

views of the parole board at that time.

Gricar added Dawson also has to make restitution for medical bills and damage to the property where the incident occurred.

Joseph Devecka, Dawson's attorney, was unavailable for comment.

-- by Kelly Bradish