T
hirteen Massachusetts real estate agents have filed lawsuits against their former employer, accusing the owner of embezzlement. The group claims they are owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid commissions and personal loans. According to the lawsuits, Stephen Webster's company, Success Real Estate, shut down suddenly on December 14 without warning.

    The agents allege that commission checks issued by the company bounced when deposited, with one agent claiming she was owed $81,275.09 for work done between October 21 and November 27. Seven other agents claim they are owed a total of $105,033.70 for commissions dated between December 2 and December 9.

    The lawsuits also accuse Webster of embezzling funds from an escrow account, with one agent claiming she paid $10,400 out of her own pocket to cover a fee that was supposed to be covered by the company. Three agents claim they made private loans to Webster or the business totaling $132,000 and are now owed repayment.

    The Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure and the Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons are investigating complaints against Success Real Estate and Steve Webster. Affected individuals can file complaints online.