Drug‑Convicted Founder of Presley Gerber’s Sober‑Living Under Scrutiny

**Owner of Presley Gerber’s Sober‑Living Facility Faces Past Drug Charges Involving a Minor**

Dr. Reza Nabavi, who runs the sober‑living facility where Presley Gerber died, has a criminal record that includes drug possession and an alleged encounter with a minor. That background surfaced from a 2002 arrest in Oakland that drew public attention after Gerber’s death.

The details of Nabavi’s past are now part of the broader inquiry into the facility’s operations.

In February 2002, Oakland police discovered Nabavi asleep in his car in an area known for narcotic and prostitution activity. Officers reported he was with a 15‑year‑old girl who said she was high on meth and didn’t know him well. A search of his vehicle uncovered meth, marijuana, a gun, ammunition and a hunting knife.

He later pleaded no contest to possession of a controlled substance and received 36 months probation.

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## Background & Context

Dr. Reza Nabavi first entered the public eye in the early 2000s when he was arrested for drug possession in Oakland. The case revealed that he had been operating a small, off‑the‑grid drug distribution operation that supplied methamphetamine to local users.

In May 2002, after a brief legal battle, he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor for possession of a controlled substance and was sentenced to another 36 months of probation.

Later that month, he was arrested again after agreeing to sell meth to an informant; he pleaded no contest to a second misdemeanor for possession of a controlled substance and again received 36 months probation.

Two years later, Nabavi applied to register as a psychologist with the California Board of Psychology, but the application was denied because of his prior convictions. He eventually secured a license, though it was temporarily revoked in 2006 and he was placed on a five‑year probation period.

His current psychologist license is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2028.

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## Legal History & Current Status

The series of misdemeanor charges and subsequent probation periods raise questions about Nabavi’s suitability to manage a sober‑living environment.

While the California Board of Psychology denied his initial application due to his convictions, he was later granted a license that has been temporarily revoked and is subject to ongoing probation. No additional disciplinary actions have been reported, and the license remains active until its scheduled expiration in June 2028.

These revelations add a complex layer to the investigation into Gerber’s passing, highlighting potential regulatory gaps in the oversight of sober‑living facilities and prompting calls for stricter licensing requirements.

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## Fan and Community Reaction

The revelation that Nabavi had a criminal history involving drug possession and an alleged encounter with a minor has sparked outrage among Presley Gerber’s fans and the local community.

Many supporters expressed disbelief that someone who had once been charged with illegal drug activity was entrusted with the care of individuals struggling with addiction.

Social media posts, community forums, and support groups for substance‑use recovery have called for immediate closure of the facility and a thorough review of its leadership.

“People deserve safe environments,” wrote one commenter on a community board.

“If the person running this place has a past that involves drugs and minors, how can anyone trust that it’s safe?” Supporters have organized letter‑writing campaigns to state regulators, demanding transparency about the facility’s accreditation and staff qualifications.

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## Industry Impact

The fallout from Nabavi’s past has reverberated throughout the sober‑living industry. State regulators are now examining licensing protocols for facilities that employ licensed psychologists, particularly those with histories of substance‑related offenses.

Several regional associations have issued statements urging stricter background checks and ongoing monitoring of staff credentials.

In addition, advocacy groups are pushing for reforms that would require a comprehensive criminal background check as part of the licensing process, not just a basic verification of credentials.

The California Department of Public Health is reportedly drafting new guidelines that will mandate annual reviews of staff and an audit trail for all facility operations.

These developments underscore a growing demand for greater accountability in addiction treatment services. If the current regulatory frameworks fail to protect vulnerable populations, similar incidents could erode public trust in recovery programs nationwide.