DEADWOOD - Fourth Circuit Judge Randall Macy levied a 25-year prison sentence on 36-year-old Shawn E. Rowan of Belle Fourche on Thursday, after Rowan pleaded guilty to an April 27 robbery and kidnaping in Spearfish Canyon Lodge.

Lawrence County State's Attorney John Fitzgerald requested a 40-year sentence, saying Rowan inflicted physical and emotional injuries on the clerk.

According to court files and comments during sentencing, Rowan bought gloves, sunglasses and a spray can of mosquito repellent in Spearfish shortly after 1 a.m. on April 27.

Rowan entered the Spearfish Canyon Lodge at 4:45 a.m., wearing a disguise, Fitzgerald said. Rowan was unclear in his request for money and wrestled the female clerk to the floor, where he sprayed the repellent into her eyes. He taped her mouth shut and bound her hands and moved her into a room at he back of the lodge.

He then stole cash from the front of the lodge and escaped.

Rowan was arrested at 6 a.m. April 27 on an active warrant, after he traveled on U.S. Forest Service Road 134, about 15 miles from Spearfish Canyon Lodge.

Fitzgerald said the victim is still fragile emotionally. "This has been a very traumatic episode in her life. It scared her deeply," he said.

The victim fought back tears and spoke briefly during the sentence hearing. She said Rowan didn't say a word before physically assaulting her. She feared she would be raped and believed he had a sharp cutting tool to cut the tape he placed over her mouth and hands. "He could have killed me," she said.

Rowan hid the stolen cash but later told authorities where it was hidden. All but $118 was recovered and returned to the lodge.

Rowan told the judge he didn't plan for the robbery to go the way it did and that he was ready to face punishment.

Fitzgerald said the robbery was premeditated, and his purchase of bug spray indicated he intended to use it during the robbery.

Rowan's attorney, Eric Whitcher, said Rowan had quit a job at the Spearfish Canyon Lodge shortly before the crime and was desperate for money.

Lodge manager Linda Ahlers said employees at the lodge are provided with living quarters and meals and even money when necessary. "Today is not necessary. The employees are provided for," Ahlers said.

Judge Macy said Rowan planned the crime. "You wanted to rob the lodge of money you knew was there," Macy said.

He sentenced Rowan to 25 years in the penitentiary for the robbery charge and 15 years simultaneously on the kidnaping charge. He will be eligibile for parole in about 18 years.

Spearfish Canyon Lodge is a resort in Spearfish Canyon, about 10 miles southwest of Spearfish.