Full Breakdown
Moorpark Father Sentenced for Incest After Daughter’s Suicide
6/26/2026, 1:40:39 AM
Incest Allegation, Suicide, and Sentencing
Stephen Vincent Chavez, 41, of Moorpark, California, pleaded guilty on May 18, 2026, to felony incest and a misdemeanor for providing alcohol to his 18-year-old biological daughter, Makayla Renee Settles. The assault occurred two days after Settles moved into Chavez’s home in July 2025; a forensic exam later confirmed Chavez’s DNA. Settles died by suicide in December 2025. On June 23, 2026, a Ventura County Superior Court judge sentenced Chavez to one year in county jail, three years of felony probation, a ban on alcohol, and a 20-year sex-offender registration. Prosecutors had sought the statutory maximum of three years in state prison.
Legal Process and Key Actors
After a ten-prosecutor review, the Ventura County District Attorney’s office determined that incest was the only felony charge supported by admissible evidence, despite DNA and a rape-kit. Chavez entered a guilty plea; the court cited his lack of prior convictions in imposing jail rather than state prison. The case involved District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, Deputy District Attorney Tessa McCarty, and Judge Dusty Kawai.
Official Statements
Deputy District Attorney Tessa McCarty said the prosecution sought the maximum three-year state prison term because Chavez exploited his paternal role, violated his daughter’s trust, and supplied alcohol. District Attorney Erik Nasarenko’s office confirmed that the review found incest to be the only viable felony charge. Judge Dusty Kawai acknowledged the family’s anger and frustration but noted statutory limits and Chavez’s clean record prevented a longer prison sentence.
Family and Community Criticism
The family described the possible three-year term as insufficient, calling it “ridiculous” and questioning why rape charges were not pursued. The cousin warned that lenient sentencing sends a message that other victims may be denied justice. The victim’s sister said the father’s actions ruined both her sister’s and her own life.
Conflicting Evidence and Gaps
Sources indicate uncertainty about why the evidence supported only incest, despite DNA confirmation and a forensic exam. The District Attorney’s office has not disclosed the specific evidentiary deficiencies that barred rape or involuntary manslaughter charges.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Based on the charges, the most that he can get is three years [in prison] and 20 years as a registered sex offender.” — Carolina Sandoval, mother
- “This is exactly why we don’t speak up,” — Crystal Sandoval, cousin
- “He ruined her life, and now he’s ruined mine,” — Jaida Settles, sister
What’s Next
Chavez will serve his probation under court-imposed conditions. The family continues a wrongful-death civil suit and says they will push for a reevaluation of the charges.
