Father Sentenced to One Year for Incest After Daughter's Suicide

A 41-year-old father from Ventura County, California, has been sentenced to one year in jail and three years of probation following the suicide of his teenage daughter. Stephen Chavez was charged with felony incest and misdemeanor providing alcohol to a minor after sexually assaulting his then-18-year-old daughter, Makayla Settles, shortly after she moved from North Carolina to live with him in California.

Settles arrived at her father's home in July 2025, expecting support and assistance for her future. However, within days of her arrival, Chavez provided her with alcohol, leading to a sexual assault that was confirmed by forensic evidence. Settles returned to North Carolina shortly after the incident but tragically took her own life in December 2025.

On May 18, Chavez pleaded guilty to both charges, and on June 23, he received his sentence from Judge Dusty Kawai. The judge ruled that despite the severity of the case, Chavez's lack of prior criminal history meant a maximum three-year prison term was not possible under current legal standards. Family members and prosecutors had requested a harsher sentence, citing the profound impact on Settles' life.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office conducted an extensive review involving interviews, forensic testing, and medical evaluations to determine the appropriate charges. Deputy District Attorney Tessa McCarty emphasized that Chavez's actions as her father deeply exploited his position of trust, ultimately altering the course of his daughter's life forever.