Full Breakdown
Stephen Cloobeck Arrested on Witness-Tampering Charges Linked to Fiancée’s Burglary Case
5/14/2026, 1:53:55 AM
Background & Context
Stephen Cloobeck, a billionaire real-estate developer and founder of Diamond Resorts International, entered the 2026 California gubernatorial race as a Democrat, financing his campaign with personal wealth. After receiving less than 0.5 % support in a UC-Berkeley poll, he withdrew in November and endorsed former Rep. Eric Swalwell, contributing roughly $1 million to an independent committee backing Swalwell’s campaign. Following sexual-assault allegations against Swalwell in April 2026, Cloobeck publicly severed ties, left the Democratic Party, and identified as a libertarian. His fiancée, model and social-media influencer Adva Lavie (online as “Mia Ventura”), faces multiple felony counts for burglarizing wealthy individuals she met through dating apps between 2023 and 2025.
Key Figures & Groups
- Stephen Cloobeck – Real-estate magnate, former gubernatorial candidate.
- Adva Lavie / “Mia Ventura” – Model, accused of residential burglary and grand theft.
- Eric Swalwell – Former U.S. Rep., former political ally of Cloobeck.
- Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department – Arresting agency.
- Los Angeles Police Department – Co-investigating the Lavie case.
- Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office (Nathan Hochman) – Prosecuting Lavie and commenting on the witness-tampering allegation.
- Elias Dabaie – Cloobeck’s defense attorney.
Timeline of Events
- 2023-2025 – Lavie allegedly burglarizes homes in Westlake Village, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills.
- Late 2025 – Cloobeck ends gubernatorial bid and endorses Swalwell.
- Nov 2025 – Lavie charged with eight felonies; two dismissed, leaving six pending.
- Apr 2026 – Cloobeck cuts ties with Swalwell, cites “busted the trust.”
- May 12 2026 – Cloobeck surrenders at West Hollywood sheriff’s station; booked on suspicion of witness-tampering.
- May 18 2026 – Lavie scheduled for a pre-trial conference in Van Nuys.
Data & Statistics
- Bail set at $300,000 for Cloobeck.
- Cloobeck charged with three felony counts of attempting to dissuade witnesses and one misdemeanor for “annoying telephone calls.”
- Lavie faces six remaining felony counts; potential sentence up to 11 years 8 months.
- Reported donations to Swalwell vary: ? $1 million (Los Angeles Times) versus >$39,200 (Washington Examiner).
- Cloobeck’s gubernatorial poll support: < 0.5 % of registered voters.
Official Statements & Responses
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Cloobeck turned himself in on an outstanding felony warrant for alleged witness intimidation and that the investigation is a joint effort with the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station and the Los Angeles Police Department. The District Attorney’s Office, led by Nathan Hochman, indicated the case against Lavie will proceed and emphasized the seriousness of any attempt to interfere with witnesses. Defense attorney Elias Dabaie asserted the charges are false and that Cloobeck will contest them in court. Cloobeck has not provided comment to reporters following his release.
Criticism & Opposition
Prosecutors have framed the alleged witness-tampering as a direct threat to the integrity of the judicial process. Cloobeck’s defense team disputes the allegations, labeling them unfounded. The disparity in reported donation amounts has prompted scrutiny of Cloobeck’s political financing, though no formal allegation of campaign-finance violations has been made.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total amount Cloobeck contributed to Swalwell’s campaign—approximately $1 million versus over $39,200. Lavie’s charge count also varies, with some reports citing eight felonies and others noting six after dismissals. Details of the specific actions Cloobeck allegedly used to “dissuade” witnesses remain unspecified in public filings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “busted the trust” — Stephen Cloobeck, former gubernatorial candidate
- “Look, I live in the world of telling the truth...” — Stephen Cloobeck
- “He lied to us,” — Stephen Cloobeck
- “These charges are false and we look forward to our day in court,” — Elias Dabaie, defense attorney
- “At her trial, we will prove beyond a reasonable doubt that this defendant exploited trust built through online relationships to gain access to victims' homes and steal from them,” — Nathan Hochman, District Attorney
- “I am no longer associated with a man that takes advantage of women,” — Stephen Cloobeck
Why It Matters / Impact
The arrest underscores concerns that wealth and political influence may be leveraged to obstruct legal proceedings. Allegations of witness tampering by a high-profile donor raise questions about the equitable application of criminal law and could affect public confidence in both the justice system and political fundraising practices.
What’s Next
Lavie is expected to appear for a pre-trial conference on May 18, 2026, while Cloobeck awaits a future court date on the witness-tampering charges. Both cases remain pending, and further developments will likely shape ongoing discussions of legal accountability for affluent individuals.
