Billionaire businessman and former California gubernatorial candidate Stephen Cloobeck was taken into custody by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies on Tuesday morning.
The arrest occurred in West Hollywood, marking a significant escalation in a series of events that have roiled California political circles.
Cloobeck faces a felony charge of attempting to prevent or dissuade a victim or witness from testifying.
According to reports from TMZ, the entrepreneur was processed and held before being released on a $300,000 bond just hours later.
The arrest follows a period of intense public scrutiny surrounding Cloobeck’s involvement in state politics.
Cloobeck, the former CEO of Diamond Resorts International, had previously been a major financial backer for Eric Swalwell’s now-suspended campaign for Governor of California.
The relationship between the two men deteriorated rapidly earlier this year following allegations of sexual assault leveled against Swalwell.
Cloobeck publicly severed ties with the former Congressman, even demanding the return of over $1 million in campaign contributions.
In a statement provided to the media, Cloobeck claimed he had confronted Swalwell directly at his Los Angeles-area mansion regarding the allegations.
He stated that Swalwell apologized for his conduct before vacating the property.
The legal implications of this arrest remain unclear, as authorities have not yet specified which case the witness tampering charge pertains to.
Legal experts suggest that such charges often stem from ongoing investigations where prosecutors believe a defendant has attempted to influence the testimony of others.
Cloobeck’s legal team has moved quickly to challenge the validity of the accusations.
His attorney, Elias Dabaie, stated, "These charges are false and we look forward to our day in court."
Some observers have questioned the timing of the arrest, suggesting that the high-profile nature of the individuals involved may be driving the intensity of the investigation.
Critics of the prosecution argue that the charge could be a tactical maneuver in a broader, more complex legal dispute that has yet to be fully disclosed to the public.
The political fallout from this situation is expected to be significant for the California Democratic establishment.
Cloobeck’s transition from a major donor to a central figure in a criminal investigation creates a difficult narrative for party leadership to manage.
For the average voter, the situation highlights the often-opaque intersection of private wealth and public office.
The case serves as a reminder of how quickly political alliances can collapse when personal scandals intersect with legal accountability.
Looking ahead, the court proceedings will likely focus on the specific evidence supporting the witness tampering claim.
If the case proceeds to trial, it could force a public airing of the private interactions between Cloobeck and Swalwell during the height of the campaign.
The local community in West Hollywood has taken note of the increased law enforcement presence associated with the arrest.
As the legal process unfolds, the public will be watching to see if additional charges are filed or if the current case against the billionaire is dismissed.
This report is based on information provided by TMZ and statements released by the legal counsel for Stephen Cloobeck.
Official records from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirm the booking and subsequent release of the suspect on bond.