Stephen Vincent Chavez, a 41-year-old father from Moorpark, California, was sentenced to one year in jail and three years of felony probation after pleading guilty to one count of incest and one count of providing alcohol to a minor. His 18-year-old daughter died by suicide five months after the incident, according to the Ventura County District Attorney's Office.
Details of the Crime
In July 2025, Chavez's daughter was staying at his home in Moorpark. After a family gathering where alcohol was consumed, Chavez purchased more alcohol for himself and his daughter to drink at home. He then engaged in sexual intercourse with her, the district attorney's office said in a news release. Chavez admitted to taking advantage of a position of trust and acknowledged that the victim was particularly vulnerable.
Victim Impact and Sentencing
Several family members provided emotional victim impact statements during sentencing, describing the lasting trauma and devastating loss. Prosecutors objected to the sentence and requested the maximum of three years in state prison.
"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. "While we respect the court's decision, we continue to believe a state prison sentence was warranted under the facts of this case."
Legal Review of Charges
Before Chavez entered his guilty pleas, prosecutors conducted a comprehensive review of whether additional charges, including rape, could be filed. However, they determined that incest was the only charge supported by the law, facts and admissible evidence.
