UPDATE: EMBER’S ABUSER SENTENCED YESTERDAY 
Yesterday – August 11th, 2026 – Polk County, Iowa.
Shawn Cornelius Stanton was sentenced to a maximum of 3 years in prison.
In July, he pleaded guilty to domestic abuse assault 2nd offense and animal abuse. The animal torture charge was dropped as part of the plea agreement.
This case happened in March – BEFORE Ember’s Law took effect on July 1st.
Because of Ember, the NEXT case like hers in Iowa will be a Class D FELONY on the first offense.
From unable to stand… to changing state law… to watching this sentencing happen.
She is safe. She is adopted. And she changed everything.
Sources: WHO; Polk County Booking Records 3/9/26, Animal Rescue League of Iowa