Billionaire businessman Stephen Cloobeck, a once-powerful Democratic mega-donor who has since become a vocal critic of the party, was arrested Tuesday on a felony charge alleging he tried to prevent or dissuade a victim or witness from testifying, deepening the legal cloud surrounding the prominent figure.
According to Sean Hannity, Cloobeck was taken into custody by West Hollywood deputies after he surrendered himself in response to an outstanding warrant. Records indicate he was booked around 11 a.m. Tuesday and released roughly two hours later after posting a $300,000 bond.
Authorities have not revealed the underlying circumstances of the case, nor have they disclosed which jurisdiction issued the warrant. If convicted on the felony charge, Cloobeck could face a prison sentence of up to four years.
A spokesperson for the billionaire has aggressively pushed back on the allegations, signaling an intent to fight the case in court. 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 long been a flamboyant and polarizing presence in Californias political scene, once pouring vast sums into Democratic causes before breaking with the partys increasingly radical left turn. He drew national attention after publicly distancing himself from then-ally Rep. Eric Swalwell amid backlash over sexual misconduct allegations against the congressman.
At the time, Cloobeck acknowledged that Swalwell had briefly stayed at his 9,700-square-foot residence while weathering the scandal. But the alliance collapsed almost overnight as Cloobeck moved to separate himself from the embattled Democrat.
I am no longer associated with a man that takes advantage of women, Cloobeck told reporters during the very public split. I support womens rights.
With Democrats already facing scrutiny over their ties to wealthy donors and scandal-plagued politicians, Cloobecks arrest raises fresh questions about the partys judgment and vetting, even as the billionaires camp insists on his innocence and the case continues to unfold.
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