Stephen Cloobeck, the billionaire who recently called off his engagement to model Adva Lavie, was arraigned on Aug. 7, 2026, in Van Nuys and pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of attempting to dissuade witnesses and one misdemeanor charge. Prosecutors allege Cloobeck threatened two alleged victims tied to Lavie’s theft case. Lavie, who has been arrested multiple times on separate felony theft and burglary allegations, had her bail revoked after a recent arrest when she reportedly was not wearing her GPS monitor. If convicted on all counts, Cloobeck faces up to 10 years in prison and Lavie up to 11 years.
Billionaire Stephen Cloobeck Arraigned on Witness Tampering Charges After Calling Off Engagement to Model Adva Lavie
An aerial view shows homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire on Jan. 27, 2025, left, and June 20, 2026, right, in Pacific Palisades, California.
Billionaire Stephen Cloobeck appeared at the Van Nuys branch of the Los Angeles Superior Court on August 7, 2026, for arraignment on witness tampering charges connected to the criminal case of his former fiancée, model Adva Lavie. Flanked by attorneys and notably somber, Cloobeck entered a brief hearing and pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Arraignment And Charges
Prosecutors have filed three felony counts accusing Cloobeck of attempting to dissuade or prevent a witness or victim from testifying, plus one misdemeanor count alleging he made annoying phone calls. According to court documents, Cloobeck is accused of threatening one alleged victim, Michael Craine, in early December and of making similar threats to another alleged victim, Scott Thurman, between February and March.
Background On Adva Lavie
Adva Lavie — who has also been identified in media reports as Mia Ventura and described as a former "Penthouse Pet" — was arrested earlier this year on multiple felony counts after authorities linked her to a series of burglaries across Los Angeles County. Prosecutors say Lavie targeted wealthy older men via dating apps and stole luxury items on multiple occasions.
Among the alleged incidents, prosecutors contend Lavie stole high-end items, including a Rolex watch, from a vehicle at an Airbnb during the 2025 Coachella festival; surveillance footage is cited in filings. Lavie has been arrested more than once recently; prosecutors say her bail was revoked after a Beverly Hills arrest when she was not wearing a court-ordered GPS ankle monitor. Authorities reported Cloobeck was with her when she was detained.
Pretrial Developments And Allegations
Lavie had previously avoided bail revocation after alleged violations, including traveling outside the county and obtaining an Israeli passport; a judge had allowed her to remain out on bail until the most recent arrest. Following the latest detention, she remains in custody and is expected back in court for a diversion hearing as her legal team seeks alternatives to incarceration.
Defense filing: Lavie’s lawyers have described her as having a traumatic and complicated history, alleging past sexual abuse, substance use, and that she worked as a paid escort in Las Vegas. Attorney Jeremy Lessem has been quoted describing Lavie as "a work in progress."
Personal And Political Connections
Cloobeck, a prominent investor and philanthropist, had previously been a donor and acquaintance of Congressman Eric Swalwell. Cloobeck said he asked Swalwell to leave his home after allegations about Swalwell surfaced publicly.
Potential Penalties
If convicted on all counts, prosecutors say Cloobeck faces up to 10 years in prison; Lavie faces up to 11 years on the charges against her. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty and their cases will proceed through the Los Angeles criminal courts.
Billionaire Stephen Cloobeck arrives at the Los Angeles Superior Court, Van Nuys Courthouse on Friday, August 7, 2026. Cloobeck faces felony witness tampering charges in fiancée Adva Lavie's theft case. Dave Buchan for CA Post
Cloobeck pled not guilty to all charges against him. Frederick M. Brown for CA Post
Billionaire Stephen Cloobeck and his legal team exit the Van Nuys Courthouse on Friday, August 7, 2026, in California. Cloobeck faces felony witness tampering charges in his fiancée's theft case. (David Buchan) David Buchan for Ca Post
Stephen J. Cloobeck, philanthropist, investor and entrepreneur, is pictured in Beverly Hills, California, on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (MediaNews Group RM) MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Model Mia Ventura and Adva Lavie attend the 2021 Maxim Halloween party produced by MADE Special at Hyde Nightclub in West Hollywood, California, on Monday, Nov. 1, 2021. (Getty Images North America) Getty Images
Cloobeck announced he called off the wedding after Lavie's second arrest last week. Otained by the CA Post
Adva Lavie is pictured on Thursday, July 30, 2026. Lavie, a former "Penthouse Pet" also known as Mia Ventura, was arrested by Beverly Hills police on North Cannon Boulevard near Brighton Way in Los Angeles, California, in connection to a theft allegation. (Jam Press) Jam Press
Lavie had her bail revoked after she was arrested last week and didn't have her court required GPS ankle bracelet on. David Buchan for CA Post
Adva Lavie exits the Van Nuys Courthouse with her legal team on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in California. Lavie, a Penthouse Pet engaged to billionaire Stephen Cloobeck, has been accused of targeting wealthy older men. (David Buchan) David Buchan for Ca Post
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