Eric Swalwell’s million-dollar benefactor was arrested this week on felony witness tampering charges that prosecutors say involved threats of violence.
The felony warrant accuses Stephen Cloobeck, 64, of trying to stop three male witnesses from testifying against his fiancée, Adva Lavie. Prosecutors allege the offenses involved “force and an express and implied threat of force and violence upon a victim,” the Los Angeles Times reported. Cloobeck, the real estate billionaire who bankrolled Swalwell’s gubernatorial bid before cutting ties, turned himself in Tuesday at the West Hollywood sheriff’s station, according to the Times.
Prosecutors filed three felony counts of dissuading a witness and one misdemeanor count for annoying telephone calls, Los Angeles Magazine reported. The misdemeanor traces back to a call Cloobeck allegedly placed to his fiancée’s attorney, Lou Shapiro. He allegedly cursed at Shapiro and threatened him, his property and family, the Times reported. (RELATED: ‘Fking Tell Everyone’: Billionaire Says He’s Done With Democratic Party, Kicks Swalwell Out Of Mansion)
“These charges are false, and we look forward to our day in court,” Cloobeck’s criminal attorney Elias Dabaie told the Times. Cloobeck’s civil attorney is David Hochman of Glaser Weil. His brother, Nathan Hochman, is the Los Angeles County District Attorney whose office filed the charges, Los Angeles Magazine reported. Dabaie is also a Glaser Weil alum.
Ex-gubernatorial candidate with OnlyFans model fiancée charged with witness tampering https://t.co/i7XzZshz1R
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) May 14, 2026
Lavie, an OnlyFans model also allegedly known as “Mia Ventura” online, has pleaded not guilty to grand theft, identity theft and residential burglary charges and faces up to 11 years and eight months in prison if convicted, according to the Times.
Cloobeck’s financial support for Swalwell ran deep. He pumped $1 million into a super PAC backing the former congressman, Forbes reported, and another $39,200 directly to his campaign in November 2025, as listed on the California Secretary of State’s website.
Cloobeck kicked Swalwell out of his house after the sexual assault allegations against the former congressman surfaced, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. “It’s a very serious charge under California law. It’s a felony that faces the possibility of years in prison, especially if force is used,” former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani told ABC7.
Cloobeck’s romantic life has landed in court before. He sued OnlyFans model Stefanie Gurzanski in 2021, claiming she defrauded him after he spent $1.3 million on her in a five-month courtship, the Times reported. Gurzanski’s attorney Arthur Barens countered in court filings that Cloobeck set out to “destroy, bankrupt, punish and jail” her after the breakup.
Arraignment is set for Aug. 7, the Times reported.
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