Ex–California Gubernatorial Candidate Stephen Cloobeck Arrested in West Hollywood on Witness-Tampering Warrant

Stephen Cloobeck, a billionaire real estate developer and former California gubernatorial candidate, was arrested Tuesday in West Hollywood after turning himself in on an outstanding felony warrant, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The warrant alleges violation of dissuading or intimidating a witness or victim of a crime, and authorities linked the investigation to the Adva Lavie case.

The Details

["He was booked before 11 a.m. Tuesday at the West Hollywood station and released the same day after posting $300,000 bail, sheriff's department booking records cited by the Los Angeles Times show.", 'A felony arrest warrant filed in Los Angeles Superior Court alleges Cloobeck tried to prevent three male victims from giving testimony and that the offenses involved force or threats of force and violence, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing court documents.', "The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said the arrest followed an outstanding warrant for alleged violation of dissuading or intimidating a witness or victim of a crime, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.", "The Sheriff's Department added that the investigation is being conducted by the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station and the Los Angeles Police Department in connection with the Adva Lavie investigation, ABC7 reported.", "NBC4 Los Angeles reported that law enforcement said Cloobeck turned himself in to the sheriff's department in connection with an arrest warrant alleging he dissuaded several witnesses."]

Context

["The case is connected to criminal charges against Adva Lavie, a Los Angeles model accused of using online relationships to burglarize victims' homes and steal property, according to ABC7 and the Los Angeles Times. Lavie was ordered in March 2026 to stand trial on six felony charges tied to the allegations, ABC7 reported.", 'Cloobeck ran briefly for California governor in 2024 before dropping out and later endorsing Representative Eric Swalwell, the Los Angeles Times reported.', 'NBC4 reported that Cloobeck had publicly cut ties with Swalwell after misconduct allegations against the congressman surfaced.']

What's Next

['Authorities have not announced additional charges beyond the warrant allegations, and no court date has been made public in connection with the witness-tampering case.', "The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles Police Department are continuing the investigation tied to the Adva Lavie case, according to ABC7."]