Father Charged in Daughter's Assault, No Rape Charges

0:00It's April 22nd. This is California News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. A Ventura County case against 40-year-olds Steven Vincent Chavez is pushing ahead for allegedly sexually assaulting his 18-year-old daughter. Even after her tragic suicide, he's facing felony charges of incest, abusing a position of trust, and giving alcohol to a minor no-rape charges filed, despite family claims of, confirming DNA from a rape kit. If convicted, he could get up to three years in prison, followed by 20 years on the sex offender registry. Back in July 2025, the daughter, Mikaela Settles, moved from North Carolina to live with Chavez in Moor Park. Just two days later, she ended up hospitalized from the alleged assault. He got arrested, pleaded nigh guilty, and walked out on $250,000 bail. Sadly, five months after that, she took her own life. Her family is heartbroken and furious, especially her mom, Carolina Sandeball,

1:00who called the possible three-year sentence ridiculous after a recent court hearing. She pointed out he still has his passport with no travel bans, questioning how that's justice when her daughter's gone forever. Sandeball described Mikaela as a sweet, bubbly-cated heart, kind, prank-loving, and full of dreams like starting her own nail shop. Earlier this week, at an early disposition conference, supporters rallied outside court with signs and shared stories, showing massive community, backing. The family credits public awareness and an nieces videos for keeping the spotlight on Chavez, warning others about the risks. This fight for accountability rolls on, highlighting how families demand real change to protect others from similar pain as it unfolds.