Billionaire and ex-Democratic donor Stephen Cloobeck was arrested Tuesday on alleged felony charges.
Cloobeck was arrested by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) in West Hollywood for allegedly attempting to impede victim or witness testimony, Politico reported, citing LASD records. The arrest occurred before 11:00 a.m., according to the Los Angeles Times. Cloobeck, 64, was then released at 1:17 p.m. on $300,000 bail, the outlet reported.
A spokesperson for the LASD confirmed Cloobeck’s arrest in a statement to the Daily Caller.
“On May 12, 2026, at approximately 10:59 a.m., Stephen Cloobeck surrendered at West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station on an outstanding felony warrant for alleged violation of dissuading or intimidating a witness or victim of a crime (136.1 PC). This 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. Mr. Cloobeck was released the same day after posting a $300,000 bail,” the spokesperson said. (RELATED: ‘F**king Tell Everyone’: Billionaire Says He’s Done With Democratic Party, Kicks Swalwell Out Of Mansion)
Cloobeck is a business visionary, philanthropist, and activist, according to his website. He built Diamond Resorts International and previously served as Chairman of the State of Nevada Athletic Commission.
Former Democratic donor and candidate arrested in Los Angeles area https://t.co/Av0E4HESrv
— POLITICO (@politico) May 13, 2026
Cloobeck also launched a bid for the California gubernatorial race, but suspended his campaign in November 2025, CBS News reported. Once he exited the race, Cloobeck endorsed Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell.
“I only ran for Governor because I believe none of the other candidates are capable of doing the job. … So when Eric decided to do this, I realized he is absolutely the right person for the job, and the best thing I could do would be to step aside and support him 100%,” Cloobeck said, according to CBS News.
“If Eric weren’t in this race, I’d still be in it. But I am leaving this race because the most qualified person in the state is now running for governor,” he added.
Cloobeck later cut ties with Swalwell after multiple women came forward and accused him of sexual misconduct, with one aide alleging Swalwell raped her twice, according to NBC Los Angeles.
“You know, I live in the world of integrity, morals, ethics. I want what’s best for California and I am disturbed, and I cannot support Eric Swalwell anymore,” Cloobeck told the outlet.
Cloobeck said he gave $1 million to Swalwell through a super PAC and has suggested he may seek legal action to have the money returned, Forbes reported. Cloobeck donated $39,200 to Swalwell’s campaign in November 2025, according to publicly available contributions listed on the California Secretary of State’s website.