California Father Sentenced to 1 Year in Jail After Pleading Guilty to Incest With Daughter Who Later Died by Suicide

A California man has been sentenced to one year in county jail and three years of felony probation after pleading guilty to incest involving his 18-year-old biological daughter, who later died by suicide, according to the Ventura County District Attorney's Office.

Stephen Vincent Chavez, 41, pleaded guilty in May to one count of incest and one count of providing alcohol to a minor. He also admitted to taking advantage of a position of trust and that the victim was particularly vulnerable.

According to prosecutors, Chavez's daughter, Makayla Rene Settles, was staying at his Moorpark home in July 2025. Following a family gathering where alcohol was consumed, Chavez purchased additional alcohol for himself and his daughter after they returned home. US: Georgia Teacher Bonnie Brown Sentenced to 40 Years for S*xually Assaulting Student Twice After Victim Confronts Accused in Court.

"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 s*xual intercourse with her," the Ventura County District Attorney's Office said.

California Dad Gets One Year Jail After Guilty Plea in Daughter Incest Case

Makayla died by suicide in December 2025, months after the incident.

Prosecutors said they reviewed whether additional charges, including rape, could be filed but ultimately determined that incest was the only felony charge supported by the law, facts and admissible evidence. US: Wisconsin Teacher Jailed for 28 Years After Admitting to Over 50 Acts of S*xual Intercourse With Student.

Although Chavez faced a maximum sentence of three years in state prison, Ventura County Superior Court Judge Dusty Kawai sentenced him to one year in county jail and three years of felony probation. According to prosecutors, the court cited Chavez's lack of prior criminal history in imposing the sentence.

The Ventura County District Attorney's Office objected to the sentence and requested the maximum prison term. Several members of Makayla's family addressed the court during sentencing and delivered emotional victim impact statements describing the lasting trauma caused by Chavez's actions and the devastating loss of Makayla.

Deputy District Attorney Tessa McCarty said 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."

"While we respect the court's decision, we continue to believe a state prison sentence was warranted under the facts of this case," McCarty added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 25, 2026 07:22 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).