Stanton Sentenced To Three Years In State Prison

Sonora, CA — 31 year old Shawna Lea Stanton was sentenced to three years in state prison this afternoon for her role in the August 25, 2007 murder of 29 year old Jon Steven Flaherty of Wallace.

Stanton was sentenced to two years for being an ex-felon in possession of a weapon plus a year for her prior prison term. She was also sentenced to a year in prison for serving as an accessory after the fact. Those two terms will run concurrently.

According to District Attorney Donald Segerstrom Stanton could have received as much as four years and eight months behind bars. Segestrom adds that with time served and credits for good behavior she could be released in 18-20 months.

Stanton will now report to the women´s reception center in Chowchilla. From there the Department of Corrections will determine where she will be imprisoned.

On February 27 Stanton was was found guilty of being an accessory after the fact and a felon in possession of a weapon. Today´s sentencing was handed down by Tuolumne County Superior Court Judge Eric DuTemple in Department One.

Stanton was tried alongside her 30 year old brother David Roy Stanton. His trial ended in a hung jury. He is scheduled to be retried on May 14th for the unlawful murder of Flaherty.

Last week Stanton rejected a plea bargain deal with the District Attorney´s office. Jim Newkirk will again serve as the prosecuting attorney. Rick Angermiller will serve as defense counsel.

Written by Bill Johnson