Stephen Cloobeck, the billionaire ex-candidate for CA governor, pleaded not guilty to witness tampering charges Friday morning during a brief court appearance in Van Nuys, three months after WEHOonline first reported his arrest at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station.
Cloobeck, 64, faces three counts of attempting to dissuade witnesses from testifying and one count of harassment for making annoying phone calls, according to a criminal complaint. Prosecutors allege the acts were committed by force and an express and implied threat of force and violence upon a victim. Cloobeck allegedly contacted the attorney representing his ex-fiancée and Penthouse Pet, Adva Lavie, swore at him and threatened him, his property and members of his family, according to the complaint.
His next hearing date was set for October. David Chesnoff, who was part of the legal team that defended Robert Durst during his Los Angeles murder trial, appeared on Cloobeck’s behalf…