Billionaire Stephen Cloobeck, who formerly ran for governor of California, was arrested on 12 May on suspicion of serious felony charges. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LACSD) confirmed that Cloobeck turned himself in at a police station after an outstanding warrant was issued for his arrest due to claims of attempting to dissuade a witness linked to an ongoing criminal case involving his fiancée, Adva Lavie.
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Cloobeck, 64, is facing three felony counts aimed at dissuading or intimidating a witness or victim. Following his arrest, he was released shortly after 1 p.m. the same day after posting bail set at $300,000. According to the LACSD, the investigation is being carried out by the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station and the Los Angeles Police Department in relation to Lavie’s case.
Elias Dabaie, Cloobeck’s attorney, has maintained the billionaire’s innocence. “These charges are false and we look forward to our day in court,” Dabaie told the press in a statement, emphasising Cloobeck’s intention to dispute the allegations.
Adva Lavie, a model and social media influencer who is also known by the name Mia Ventura, is facing her own legal troubles. The District Attorney’s Office has brought six felony charges against her, including grand theft and residential burglary. These charges stem from allegations that she used dating apps to develop relationships in order to gain access to wealthy older men, subsequently burglarising their homes and stealing from them.
District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman has stated that the prosecution intends to demonstrate that Lavie exploited trust established through these online relationships. “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,” Hochman announced. He further affirmed the commitment of his office to hold accountable those who manipulate others through deceitful means.
Lavie has pleaded not guilty to all charges leveled against her. She was released on her own recognizance and is currently awaiting trial. Her legal issues appear to have serious implications for both her and Cloobeck, as they navigate the complexities of the cases against them.
Stephen Cloobeck has made headlines previously due to his political aspirations. He declared his intention to run for governor of California in November 2024 but withdrew from the contest a year later, subsequently endorsing fellow candidate Eric Swalwell. However, Swalwell himself faced a tumultuous exit from Congress after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced, further complicating Cloobeck’s political narrative.
The developments surrounding this situation have attracted significant media attention, with many observing the interplay between Cloobeck’s high-profile background and the serious nature of the allegations against both him and Lavie. The case continues to unfold, and both individuals will face their respective charges in a court of law as they seek to clear their names.
As this story progresses, both Cloobeck’s and Lavie’s legal teams prepare to present their cases. With public interest growing in the outcome of both trials, the events surrounding their legal battles are poised to remain a focal point in the media for the foreseeable future.