Billionaire Stephen Cloobeck Arrested On Felony Witness Intimidation Charge

Billionaire businessman Stephen Cloobeck was arrested Tuesday on a felony charge alleging he attempted to prevent or dissuade a victim or witness from testifying, escalating legal troubles for the former Democratic mega-donor turned outspoken critic of the party.

According to The California Post, West Hollywood deputies arrested Cloobeck after he surrendered himself following the issuance of a warrant.

Records show Cloobeck was booked around 11 a.m. Tuesday and later released on a $300,000 bond shortly after 1 p.m.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed the circumstances behind the case or where the warrant originated.

If convicted, Cloobeck could face up to four years in prison.

A spokesperson for the billionaire forcefully denied the allegations.

“These charges are false and we look forward to our day in court,” the spokesperson told The Post.

Cloobeck, the former CEO of Diamond Resorts International, has remained a colorful and controversial figure in California political circles for years.

He drew national attention after publicly distancing himself from former ally Eric Swalwell during backlash surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct against the congressman.

At the time, Cloobeck said Swalwell had temporarily stayed at his sprawling 9,700-square-foot home while navigating the fallout.

But the relationship quickly imploded.

“I am no longer associated with a man that takes advantage of women,” Cloobeck told reporters during the public split. “I support women’s rights.”

This story is developing…

JUST IN: Billionaire Stephen Cloobeck, the former close friend and backer of Eric Swalwell, has been arrested in Los Angeles.

Cloobeck went viral last month, shredding Swalwell for deceiving him.

According to the California Post, Cloobeck was arrested for attempting to prevent… pic.twitter.com/rWECVbjM19

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 13, 2026