Stephen Vincent Chavez, a 41-year-old father from Moorpark, California, was sentenced Tuesday to one year in county jail and three years of felony probation after pleading guilty to incest involving his biological daughter, avoiding the state prison term prosecutors had sought.
The Ventura County Superior Court sentence came despite prosecutors from District Attorney's Office pushing for the maximum three-year state prison term available under California law for felony incest. Chavez pleaded guilty in May to one felony count of incest and one misdemeanor count of providing alcohol to a minor.
Background
The case stems from events that occurred in July 2025 at Chavez's Moorpark residence, where his daughter, Makayla Rene Settles, had moved to live with him. According to prosecutors, the situation escalated following a family gathering where alcohol was consumed.
"After a day of drinking at a family gathering, Chavez purchased additional alcohol for himself and his daughter to consume at home. Chavez then engaged in sexual intercourse with her," the Ventura County District Attorney's Office stated in a news release.
Family members told prosecutors that Makayla had moved to Moorpark to live with her biological father with plans to attend college and build a new life. Two days after she arrived, her family said she called terrified and asking for help. Makayla died by suicide in December 2025.
The Charges
Chavez was charged with one felony count of incest, which carries a maximum sentence of three years under California law, and one misdemeanor count of providing alcohol to a minor.
Prosecutors stated they reviewed whether additional charges, including rape, could be filed but concluded incest was the only felony charge supported by law, evidence, and admissible facts. The case proceeded on an open plea agreement presented directly to Judge Dusty Kawai, bypassing the prosecution's sentencing recommendation.
"Chavez exploited his position as a father, violated his daughter's trust, supplied her with alcohol, and engaged in criminal conduct that forever altered the course of her life," said Deputy District Attorney Tessa McCarty. "While we respect the court's decision, we continue to believe a state prison sentence was warranted under the facts of this case."
Judge Kawai stated he could not legally impose the maximum three-year term because Chavez lacked a prior criminal record.
"Several members of Makayla's family addressed the court during sentencing and provided emotional victim impact statements describing the lasting trauma caused by the defendant's actions and the devastating loss of Makayla," according to the DA's office.
Key Takeaways
- Stephen Vincent Chavez, 41, pleaded guilty to one felony count of incest and one misdemeanor count of providing alcohol to a minor
- He was sentenced to one year in county jail plus three years felony probation rather than state prison
- Prosecutors sought the maximum three-year state prison term; Judge Dusty Kawai said he could not impose that due to no prior record
- The victim's daughter, Makayla Rene Settles, died by suicide in December 2025, months after the alleged abuse occurred
What's Next
Chavez will serve his one-year jail sentence in Ventura County custody while beginning his three-year felony probation term. There are no additional court dates scheduled at this time.