Los Angeles, California — Businessman and former California gubernatorial candidate Stephen Cloobeck was arrested this week in the Los Angeles area on felony charges related to allegedly attempting to prevent or discourage a witness or victim from testifying.
According to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department records, Cloobeck was taken into custody before 11 a.m. Tuesday and booked at the West Hollywood station. Authorities set bail at $300,000. Additional details surrounding the alleged incident have not yet been publicly released.
Cloobeck, a billionaire real estate executive known for founding the timeshare company Diamond Resorts, briefly entered California’s 2026 governor’s race before ending his campaign last November. During the race, he argued that California lacked qualified leadership candidates and largely self-funded his campaign effort.
After leaving the race, Cloobeck endorsed and financially supported former Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, contributing more than $39,000 to the campaign. However, following sexual assault allegations against Swalwell and the former congressman’s resignation earlier this year, Cloobeck announced he was leaving the Democratic Party, saying he could no longer support politicians accused of misconduct.
Cloobeck also made headlines earlier this year after prediction market platform Kalshi reportedly blocked him from wagering on California governor’s race outcomes involving his own candidacy and Swalwell’s campaign.
If convicted on the felony charges, Cloobeck could face up to three years in prison under California law.
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