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group of 12 realtors have filed a lawsuit against Stephen D. Webster, the former owner of Success Real Estate, alleging he withheld nearly $500,000 in commissions and loan repayments from them when he abruptly closed his company last month. The lawsuits were filed on December 30 in Plymouth Superior Court.

    Webster, 62, announced the closure of his company via email to staff members on December 14, stating that he was working hard to make things right despite being advised by his attorney not to comment further. Success Real Estate had locations in Marshfield and Braintree.

    The plaintiffs claim they are owed a combined total of $490,556, with one realtor, Kristen Dailey, owed nearly $153,000 in commissions for properties she sold. The lawsuits allege that Webster committed unfair business practices by failing to pay commissions and embezzling funds from closed transactions.

    Some plaintiffs also claim that Webster induced them to make personal loans based on false pretenses, stating he needed the money to replenish stolen or embezzled funds. One realtor reportedly told a client that Webster was likely to face jail time due to his financial situation.