Man Sentenced for Incest and Providing Alcohol to Minor in Ventura County Case
A man from Moorpark has been sentenced to one year in Ventura County jail and three years of probation for sexually assaulting his daughter. Stephen Chavez, 41, pleaded guilty to incest and providing alcohol to a minor. The incident occurred in July 2025 when Chavez gave alcohol to his 18-year-old daughter and engaged in sexual activity with her. Tragically, the victim, Makayla Settles, died by suicide in December. The sentencing in Ventura County Superior Court included victim impact statements from Settles' family members, who expressed their anger and frustration towards Chavez. Despite the request for a maximum sentence of three years in state prison, the judge cited Chavez's lack of criminal history as a reason for a lesser sentence. Chavez will also have to register as a sex offender for 20 years.