Father Avoids Prison for Incestuous Relationship with Daughter

A father from Moorpark, who admitted to an incestuous relationship with his 18-year-old daughter, managed to avoid a state prison sentence recently, inciting considerable outrage. Prosecutors had been pushing for a harsh penalty, viewing the situation as a significant abuse of trust and authority.

Steven Vincent Chavez, 41, pleaded guilty in May to one felony charge of incest and a misdemeanor charge of providing alcohol to a minor. He received a sentence of one year in prison, but this was suspended for three years regarding the felony, as indicated by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.

The sentencing drew criticism, especially since prosecutors framed it as a serious violation of parental rights. A plea deal, made directly with Ventura County Superior Court Judge Dusty Kawai, bypassed the prosecution’s recommendations for sentencing.

California law allows for a maximum of three years for the felony of incest; however, Judge Kawai reasoned that due to Chavez’s lack of prior convictions, a harsher sentence could not be legally enforced.

Prosecutors had contemplated additional charges, including rape, but ultimately determined that the evidence only supported the incest charge.

This case arose from an incident in July 2025, when Chavez’s daughter, Makayla Renee Settles, was staying at his home. Prosecutors noted the situation escalated after consuming alcohol at a family gathering, followed by Chavez purchasing more alcohol for both of them. They reported that Chavez then engaged in sexual intercourse with his daughter.

Tragically, Makayla died by suicide in December 2025. She had moved to Moorpark with the hope of starting anew and attending college. Her family indicated she became frightened soon after arriving and called for help.

The backlash to Chavez’s relatively lenient sentence was fierce, especially since prosecutors had sought a three-year state prison term. During the sentencing, family members of Makayla shared emotional accounts of the lasting trauma and profound loss caused by Chavez’s actions.

Deputy District Attorney Tessa McCarty criticized Chavez’s behavior as a blatant betrayal of parental trust. She expressed the belief that a state prison sentence was justified based on the circumstances of the case.

While respecting the court’s ruling, McCarty reiterated the view that more severe punishment was warranted. It’s worth noting that Judge Kawai is registered with the Democratic Party, and he has faced criticism for other lenient sentences in the past.