Thirteen former agents of Success Real Estate have filed lawsuits against owner Stephen Webster, alleging embezzlement and unpaid commissions following the company's abrupt closure on December 14.
The Plymouth Superior Court lawsuits, filed by attorney Robert Ahearn, claim Webster failed to pay hundreds of thousands in commissions and mishandled escrow funds. Multiple agents report receiving bounced commission checks between October and December.
According to the lawsuits, Webster "suddenly and without warning" announced the closure of the business."
“At this moment, we will no longer be accepting any new business,” said Webster in a note to agents, which Boston 25 News obtained and previously reported. “Understandably, this is upsetting news to all. I’m working hard every minute of every day to make things right.”
One agent claims over $142,000 in unpaid commissions and $10,400 in personal funds used to cover an escrow-related closing fee. Seven agents jointly seek $105,033 in commissions from early December, while another group claims $100,522 from late November to December transactions.
Three agents allege Webster defaulted on $132,000 in personal loans, while another former Hanover agent separately claims $150,000 in unpaid funds.
The Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure and the Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons confirmed they are reviewing complaints.