Dr. Reza Nabavi, the founder and owner of the rehabilitation facility where Presley Gerber died of a suspected overdose, had his psychology license denied due to a criminal history involving drugs and a minor. In February 2002, Nabavi was arrested by the Oakland Police Department after being found asleep in a car in an area known for narcotic and prostitution activity. At the time, he was with a 15-year-old girl who was under the influence of methamphetamine. Officers discovered meth, marijuana, a hunting knife, a handgun, and ammunition in his vehicle.
Nabavi pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance in May 2002 and was sentenced to 36 months of probation. He was arrested again later that month for possessing narcotics and paraphernalia after attempting to sell meth to an informant. Following another plea of no contest to a misdemeanor charge, he received an additional 36 months of probation.
In September 2004, he applied for registration as a psychologist with the California Board of Psychology, but his application was denied due to his criminal convictions and unprofessional conduct. Nabavi was able to register as a psychological assistant in January 2006, although this registration was revoked but stayed, contingent on compliance with probationary terms, including a psychological evaluation and ongoing treatment.
He successfully registered as a psychologist in December 2006 and had his probation terminated early in May 2008. Nabavi served as the director of family services at Promises Malibu from June 2006 to May 2011 before opening Resolutions Living (RL) in Santa Monica, California, where Gerber died.
The facility, valued at $7.7 million, is not a licensed substance use disorder residential treatment facility, according to the Department of Health Care Services. The facility operates as a sober living environment, which does not require state licensure. Following Gerber's death, the facility's website underwent changes, including the removal of its staff page. Gerber, who had a history of substance abuse and mental health issues, was admitted to RL the day before his death. It remains unclear if he received a medical or psychological evaluation upon admission.
Representatives for Nabavi, RL, and the Gerber-Crawford family did not respond to requests for comment.