And That’s Only the Latest Chapter in the Stephen Cloobeck Story
Who Is Stephen Cloobeck?
If you live in Nevada, you know the name. Stephen Cloobeck, 64, is the billionaire founder of Diamond Resorts International. He sold that company for $2 billion in 2016. He’s been a major Democratic donor, a pal of the late Harry Reid, and a guy who never met a microphone he didn’t love.
He also has a habit of making headlines for all the wrong reasons. This week, he added “criminal defendant” to his resume.
The Arrest
Cloobeck was arrested in West Hollywood on May 13 and released on $300,000 bond. Los Angeles County prosecutors say he tried to intervene in the theft prosecution of his fiancée by allegedly threatening witnesses.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the arrest.
“On May 12, 2026, at approximately 10:59 a.m., Stephen Cloobeck surrendered at West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station on an outstanding felony warrant for alleged violation of dissuading or intimidating a witness or victim of a crime,” a spokesperson said.
That’s a serious charge. Witness tampering is a felony. And this wasn’t one count — the Los Angeles County District Attorney charged him with three felony counts of attempting to dissuade a witness and one misdemeanor count of making harassing phone calls.
Cloobeck’s attorney Elias Dabaie said in a statement:
“These charges are false and we look forward to our day in court.”
Who Is His Fiancée?
Reports connect his arrest to the pending criminal case against his fiancée, 28-year-old model and social media personality Adva Lavie.
Prosecutors contend Lavie stole money and other property from people she met through dating apps, including wealthy older men and some younger women. According to prosecutors, she posed as a girlfriend and travel companion to gain access to alleged victims’ homes, then stole cash, gold, and high-end designer items.
Lavie was ordered to stand trial in March 2026 on six felony counts, including residential burglary and grand theft.
His Nevada History
Nevadans know Cloobeck from a different role. He served as chairman of the Nevada Athletic Commission, appointed by then-Governor Steve Sisolak in June 2021 — a Democrat and fellow traveler in the big-government wing of Nevada politics.
He used that position to go after Joe Lombardo, who was then running for governor.
In August 2022, Cloobeck demanded Sheriff Lombardo’s resignation, saying Lombardo shouldn’t be running the sheriff’s office while running for governor.
Lombardo’s campaign didn’t hold back. His campaign responded:
“Just like his boss and political godfather Steve Sisolak, Stephen Cloobeck is using his government position to do Sisolak’s political bidding.
While the Sisolak Administration is the most corrupt in Nevada history, it is still disappointing to see these greasy, pay-to-play antics seep into the Nevada Athletic Commission. Frankly, it is an embarrassment to our state.”
Lombardo won that race. In December 2022, Cloobeck quit the commission rather than serve under him.
In his resignation letter, Cloobeck wrote:
“I cannot work for the Governor-Elect Lombardo. He is not honest nor grateful for the great benefits I’ve given to the State of Nevada.”
That line tells you everything you need to know about how this man sees himself.
The “News” Site and a Sketchy Partner
Here’s something Nevada conservatives may have missed. Back in 2022, Cloobeck was shopping around a new online media venture called Factz.com. He described it as a “purple” online news site and reached out to Lombardo and other politically active figures to pitch the idea.
The problem? Factz was run by web entrepreneur Nik Richie, who previously ran a gossip site called The Dirty. For those who don’t know, The Dirty spent years publishing user-submitted rumors, embarrassing photos, and cruel content about private individuals — ordinary people, not public figures.
It was widely considered one of the nastier corners of the internet. Multiple lawsuits followed over the years.
That’s the guy Cloobeck chose to partner with to launch what he called a legitimate news operation. A man who positioned himself as Nevada’s civic conscience. Think about that combination for a moment.
The OnlyFans Lawsuit
This wasn’t Cloobeck’s first courtroom drama involving a young girlfriend, either.
Cloobeck previously sued a former girlfriend, model Stefanie Gurzanski, calling her a “con artist” and “cunning fraudster.”
He alleged that Gurzanski used his credit card to buy more than 100 bikinis and items of lingerie for OnlyFans posts, and that the running tab topped $1.3 million.
That included a $200,000 watch, a $40,000 bracelet, and a birthday party in Cabo San Lucas, where he spent $7,000 on caviar.
A second lawsuit claimed Cloobeck owned the copyright to a set of her OnlyFans photos. A billionaire suing his ex to claim ownership of her OnlyFans content and earnings. Think about that.
She got a restraining order against him, and the case became a spectacle.
The Swalwell Chapter
In November 2024, Cloobeck launched a bid for California governor. He dropped out in November 2025, throwing his support behind Congressman Eric Swalwell instead.
Cloobeck was Swalwell’s biggest backer, saying:
“I only ran for Governor because I believe none of the other candidates are capable of doing the job. So when Eric decided to do this, I realized he is absolutely the right person for the job.”
Cloobeck reportedly contributed roughly $1 million to a pro-Swalwell super PAC. Swalwell had stayed at Cloobeck’s L.A.-area mansion before the congressman’s scandal broke.
In April 2026, multiple women accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct and he resigned from Congress. Cloobeck cut ties. He told NBC Los Angeles:
“You know, I live in the world of integrity, morals, ethics. I want what’s best for California and I am disturbed, and I cannot support Eric Swalwell anymore.”
Why This Matters to Nevada Conservatives
Here’s the lesson. Cloobeck spent years positioning himself as a civic-minded reformer. He used his platform on a government board as a political weapon against Joe Lombardo.
He tried to shake up California politics. He threw millions at left-wing candidates. He partnered with a gossip-site operator to launch a so-called news outlet. He lectured everyone about integrity.
Now he’s facing felony charges for allegedly tampering with witnesses to protect a fiancée accused of serial theft.
This is what happens when the rich and politically connected play by different rules. They throw money around. They use government appointments as leverage. They demand accountability from others while apparently exempting themselves.
Nevada conservatives should pay attention. The people who screamed loudest about Lombardo are now the ones making bail.
Watch this story closely. The trial involving Adva Lavie is coming. Cloobeck’s legal fight is just beginning. And for a man who burned so many bridges in Nevada, there may not be many allies left to call.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
