Southeastern Massachusetts real estate broker sentenced to prison after stealing $11 million from clients, agents

A Massachusetts real estate broker who diverted millions of dollars in client escrow funds, falsified financial records, and left dozens of clients and agents financially devastated when his company abruptly shut down has been sentenced to state prison.

According to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, in Plymouth Superior Court, 63-year-old Stephen Webster of Marshfield pleaded guilty to Embezzlement by a Fiduciary, Larceny Over $1,200 Pursuant to a Single Scheme, Witness Intimidation, and Publishing a False Financial Statement. Judge Daniel O’Shea sentenced Webster to serve two to three years in state prison, followed by five years of probation. As conditions of probation, Webster is prohibited from holding any position of fiduciary responsibility without prior court approval and must pay full restitution. The Commonwealth had recommended a sentence of six to eight years.

Webster was the longtime broker and principal of Success! Real Estate, Inc., a brokerage that operated for decades across southeastern Massachusetts before abruptly closing its doors in December 2024. A months-long investigation revealed that between 2023 and 2024, Webster routinely transferred approximately $11 million out of designated escrow accounts into his personal and business accounts. Those diverted funds were used to pay credit card debt, business loans, personal expenses — including $10,000 monthly rent — and gambling-related costs in Massachusetts and Florida.

When the Massachusetts Department of Licensure indicated it planned to audit the company’s escrow accounts in March 2023, Webster submitted false financial documentation, including a forged letter from South Shore Bank falsely claiming that his escrow account held more than $1 million in client funds. This deception prevented further scrutiny by the agency.

The sudden closure of Success! Real Estate in December 2024 left employees and agents without expected commission payments and left clients in pending real estate transactions uncertain about the status of their deposits. Many victims appeared in court or submitted impact statements describing the significant financial and professional harm they suffered.

Webster was arrested in Palm Beach County, Florida, in September 2025 after a warrant was issued and he was entered into a national database. His arrest was the result of cooperation between Massachusetts law enforcement, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

“Stephen Webster treated client escrow money like it was his own personal bankroll,” said Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz. “He did not just steal money — he shattered trust, destabilized transactions, and left hardworking people to deal with the fallout.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alex Zane and investigated by Marshfield Police Detective Greg Davis and Hanover Police Detective Steve Moar.