California Father Sentenced After Having Incestuous Relationship With Daughter, 18, Before Her Death

A California father was given jail time after pleading guilty to having an incestuous relationship with his biological daughter, who later died by suicide.

Ventura County district attorney Erik Nasarenko announced in a press release issued Tuesday, June 23, that Stephen Vincent Chavez was sentenced to one year in Ventura County Jail and three years of felony probation.

Chavez, 41, pleaded guilty on May 18 to felony incest and misdemeanor providing alcohol to a minor after a July 2025 incident involving his 18-year-old biological daughter, Makayla.

According to the Ventura County D.A., Makayla was staying with her father at his residence in Moorpark, when — after drinking at a family gathering during the day — Chavez purchased more alcohol for them to have at home.

Chavez then engaged in sexual intercourse with her, according to the press release. Prosecutors conducted a “comprehensive review” of whether additional charges, including rape, could legally be filed. However, it was determined that incest was “the only felony charge supported by the law, facts, and admissible evidence.”

Months later, in December 2025, Makayla died by suicide.

Chavez also admitted that he took advantage of his daughter, whom he said was vulnerable, from a position of trust.

“The People requested the maximum three-year state prison sentence because the defendant exploited his position as a father, violated his daughter’s trust, supplied her with alcohol, and engaged in criminal conduct that forever altered the course of her life,” said deputy district attorney Tessa McCarty in a statement.

“While we respect the court’s decision, we continue to believe a state prison sentence was warranted under the facts of this case,” McCarty added.