Brockton, Massachusetts, October 19, 2025
News Summary
Stephen Webster, a Massachusetts real estate broker, has been arraigned on embezzlement and larceny charges after his firm closed unexpectedly. Webster, who pleaded not guilty, is accused of misappropriating over $1 million in client escrow funds and leaving agents unpaid. The case has been described as one of the worst embezzlement cases in Massachusetts’ history, prompting civil lawsuits from affected agents. He awaits his next court appearance amid significant allegations of financial misconduct.
Brockton
Stephen Webster, a 63-year-old Massachusetts real estate broker, was arraigned on charges of embezzlement and larceny following the closure of his firm, Success! Real Estate, Inc., in December 2024. Webster was arraigned in Brockton Superior Court after being extradited from Florida. He pleaded not guilty to multiple criminal counts related to the operation and sudden closure of his long-running brokerage.
Key charges and legal status
He was indicted by a Plymouth County grand jury on September 12 and an arrest warrant was issued and entered into a national database. Webster was apprehended on September 30 in Palm Beach County, Florida, through the cooperation of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Massachusetts State Police. After his arrest, he was extradited to Massachusetts and pleaded not guilty in Brockton Superior Court to multiple charges, including fiduciary embezzlement, larceny over $1,200 by a single scheme, witness intimidation, and publishing a false financial statement.
Allegations and financial findings
The criminal charges arise from an investigation into client escrow accounts and company finances. The charges stem from an investigation that revealed over $1 million in client escrow funds were unaccounted for and approximately $500,000 in unpaid commissions owed to company agents. Investigators also allege that Webster misappropriated escrow funds, transferred client deposits to his personal and business accounts, and submitted false financial documentation to regulators.
As part of the probe, authorities reviewed bank and company records. The investigation included reviewing records from South Shore Bank and Rockland Trust, accounting ledgers, and conducting witness interviews. Prosecutors say evidence includes a forged bank letter and other documents. Webster allegedly forged a bank letter claiming his company’s escrow account held over $900,000, but the actual amount was only a few thousand dollars.
Scope and historical context
The case has been described by prosecutors as unusually large in scale. This embezzlement case is described as one of the worst in Massachusetts history, with allegations of $11 million diverted from escrow accounts and $1.3 million still unaccounted for. The situation left clients, agents, and other counterparties scrambling to determine the status of pending transactions and owed funds.
Impact on clients and agents
Employees and clients were caught off guard by the closure of the brokerage. Employees and clients were reportedly blindsided by the firm’s sudden closure, which left many clients without access to their funds and agents without commission payments. Company records and agent ledgers showed unpaid balances and missing commissions. The closure of Success! Real Estate left many clients, agents, and counterparties in a state of uncertainty regarding pending real estate transactions and funds owed. In response, several agents have filed civil lawsuits alleging significant financial losses. Webster is also facing civil suits from real estate agents claiming significant financial losses due to his actions.
Bail, conditions, and next steps
Prosecutors initially sought a cash bail of $500,000, but Webster was ordered to be held on a cash bail of $100,000. Court-imposed conditions require that If released, Webster must surrender all travel documents, remain in Massachusetts, and meet regularly with probation services. His next scheduled court appearance is set for November 13. He is scheduled to appear again in court on November 13 for a pre-trial conference.
Defense position
The defense has offered an explanation for Webster’s actions. Webster’s defense attorney asserts that he did not intend to defraud anyone and was attempting to cover losses. The defense has entered a not guilty plea and the matter will proceed through pre-trial motions and hearings.
What investigators say and evidence reviewed
Investigators have identified financial discrepancies through audits and interviews. They report missing escrow funds, unpaid agent commissions, and allegedly falsified bank and corporate documents. The investigation remains active and additional charges or civil claims could follow as authorities continue to analyze records and testimony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Stephen Webster and what happened?
Stephen Webster, a 63-year-old Massachusetts real estate broker, was arraigned on charges of embezzlement and larceny following the closure of his firm, Success! Real Estate, Inc., in December 2024.
When and where was Webster indicted and arrested?
Webster was indicted by a Plymouth County grand jury on September 12 and an arrest warrant was issued and entered into a national database.
Webster was apprehended on September 30 in Palm Beach County, Florida, through the cooperation of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Massachusetts State Police.
What charges has Webster pleaded to?
He was extradited to Massachusetts and pleaded not guilty in Brockton Superior Court to multiple charges, including fiduciary embezzlement, larceny over $1,200 by a single scheme, witness intimidation, and publishing a false financial statement.
What did the investigation find about missing funds?
The charges stem from an investigation that revealed over $1 million in client escrow funds were unaccounted for and approximately $500,000 in unpaid commissions owed to company agents.
This embezzlement case is described as one of the worst in Massachusetts history, with allegations of $11 million diverted from escrow accounts and $1.3 million still unaccounted for.
Were any forged documents alleged?
Webster allegedly forged a bank letter claiming his company’s escrow account held over $900,000, but the actual amount was only a few thousand dollars.
What are the bail terms and next court date?
Prosecutors initially sought a cash bail of $500,000, but Webster was ordered to be held on a cash bail of $100,000.
If released, Webster must surrender all travel documents, remain in Massachusetts, and meet regularly with probation services.
He is scheduled to appear again in court on November 13 for a pre-trial conference.
Are there civil actions related to the case?
Webster is also facing civil suits from real estate agents claiming significant financial losses due to his actions.
Quick reference table
Item | Details |
---|---|
Arraignment location | Brockton Superior Court |
Individual arraigned | Stephen Webster, 63-year-old Massachusetts real estate broker |
Firm involved | Success! Real Estate, Inc. (closed December 2024) |
Indictment date | Indicted by a Plymouth County grand jury on September 12 |
Arrest date and location | Apprehended on September 30 in Palm Beach County, Florida |
Primary allegations | Fiduciary embezzlement; larceny over $1,200 by a single scheme; witness intimidation; publishing a false financial statement |
Alleged missing funds (investigation) | Over $1 million in client escrow funds unaccounted for; approximately $500,000 in unpaid commissions |
Alleged larger diversion | $11 million diverted from escrow accounts; $1.3 million still unaccounted for |
Bail | Ordered held on cash bail of $100,000 (prosecutors had sought $500,000) |
Next court date | November 13 (pre-trial conference) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- Wikipedia: Embezzlement
- Patriot Ledger
- Google Search: Stephen Webster real estate embezzlement
- WCVB
- Google Scholar: real estate embezzlement cases
- MassLive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: White Collar Crime

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