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Outrage as incestuous SoCal dad set to walk free after raping his daughter before she killed herself
Stephen Vincent Chavez is expected to be released from a Ventura County jail on 9 November, after serving about five months of a one-year sentence for sexually abusing his daughter. The case has drawn public anger because the abuse occurred while his daughter, Makayla Settles, was living with him, and she died by suicide five months later.
Chavez, 41, pleaded guilty in May to felony incest and furnishing alcohol to a minor. Prosecutors said he bought alcohol for himself and his 18-year-old daughter after a family gathering in July 2025, then had sex with her. Sentenced in June to a year in jail and three years’ probation, he must also register as a sex offender for 20 years; prosecutors said they reviewed whether further charges were supported by the evidence.
In short
- Chavez is expected to leave jail on 9 November.
- He served about five months of a one-year sentence.
- Prosecutors reviewed whether further charges could be brought.
Explained simply
Stephen Vincent Chavez is a California man who pleaded guilty to incest and supplying alcohol to a minor. Prosecutors said he had sex with his 18-year-old daughter, Makayla Settles, after buying alcohol for them following a family gathering.
Settles was living with her father at the time of the abuse and died by suicide five months later. Chavez was sentenced to jail and probation, and must register as a sex offender; the case has drawn attention to the sentence and the circumstances surrounding her death.