Father Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Incest

A father from Southern California has faced sentencing following his guilty plea for engaging in sexual activities with his daughter, who tragically took her own life months later.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office reported that 41-year-old Stephen Vincent Chavez’s daughter, 18-year-old Makayla, was at his Moorpark residence last July. This city is located about an hour northwest of Los Angeles.

According to prosecutors, after consuming alcohol at a family gathering, Chavez bought more for both himself and his daughter to drink at home. He then went on to have sexual relations with her. Sadly, Makayla ended her life in December 2025.

Chavez entered a guilty plea in May to misdemeanors which included incest and supplying alcohol to a minor. Officials noted that he exploited his role as a father, taking advantage of his daughter’s vulnerability.

During the sentencing hearing, several members of Makayla’s family shared emotional testimonials regarding the impact of Chavez’s actions and the trauma that followed her death.

Deputy District Attorney Tessa McCarty emphasized that the community was looking for a strong response, highlighting that Chavez had betrayed his daughter’s trust and committed acts that had irreversible effects on her life. The public called for a maximum prison sentence of three years.

McCarty mentioned that Makayla had moved from North Carolina to California with hopes of building a new life alongside her father.

On Tuesday, District Attorney Eric Nasarenko announced that Chavez received a sentence of one year in Ventura County Jail, in addition to three years of probation related to his actions. Prosecutors expressed their objections to the court’s decision.

Before Chavez’s guilty plea was entered, Nasarenko had instructed an experienced team of prosecutors to thoroughly investigate the possibility of bringing additional charges, including rape. This scrutiny involved interviews, forensic tests, medical evaluations, and a careful examination of electronic evidence. After extensive investigation, the conclusion was that only the incest charge could be legally pursued.