06/24/2026
Right here in Ventura County. Injustice is served, and we wonder why assault victims struggle with reporting…
BREAKING NEWS: June 23 — Moorpark man gets less than maximum sentence in in**st case disputed by family of girl who later committed su***de
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Stephen Vincent Chavez (DOB 01/17/85), of Moorpark, was sentenced to one year in Ventura County Jail and three years of felony probation for in**st and providing alcohol to his 18-year-old biological daughter. Chavez previously pled guilty on May 18 to felony in**st and misdemeanor providing alcohol to a minor. He also admitted he took advantage of a position of trust and that the victim was particularly vulnerable.
Prosecutors objected to the court’s sentence and requested the maximum sentence allowed by law of three years in state prison.
Several members of Makayla's family addressed the court during sentencing and provided emotional victim impact statements describing the lasting trauma caused by the defendant's
actions and the devastating loss of Makayla.
“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.”
In July 2025, Chavez's 18-year-old biological daughter, Makayla, was staying with him at his residence in Moorpark. After a day of drinking at a family gathering, Chavez purchased additional
alcohol for himself and his daughter to consume at home. Chavez then engaged in sexual in*******se with her. Makayla tragically took her own life in December 2025.
Prior to Chavez entering guilty pleas, District Attorney Nasarenko directed the office’s most experienced prosecutors to conduct a comprehensive review of whether additional charges, including r**e, could legally be filed. Investigators and prosecutors performed additional interviews, obtained and reviewed the results of new forensic testing and medical evaluations, and
carefully analyzed electronic evidence.
A team of ten prosecutors within the District Attorney’s Office reviewed the evidence and findings.
The office also consulted with experienced prosecutors and legal experts from another county.
“After this extensive review,” noted a news release, “all concluded that in**st was the only felony charge supported by the law, facts, and admissible evidence”
DA's Office submitted photo shows Stephen Chavez being handcuffed at a Ventura County Court Room on May 20th after his guilty plea.
