Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons Announces Enforcement Actions

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Forewarned is forearmed…

PRESS RELEASE: The Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons today announced enforcement actions against the following individuals:

Barbara Buchmann, Lexington:  The Board entered into a consent agreement with Buchmann, resolving allegations that she failed to properly account for money belonging to others within a reasonable time in connection with the sale of a property in Lexington, and that she failed to provide to the Board documents that it had requested within a reasonable time. Under the terms of the agreement, Buchmann agreed to a 60-day suspension of her license.

James L. Cassell, Salisbury: By a Final Decision and Order, the Board revoked Cassell’s right to renew his real estate salesperson license. A review by the Board found that he failed to report his criminal convictions.

Steven Vincent Ceceri, South Dartmouth, MA & Cranston, RI: The Board entered into a consent agreement with Ceceri, resolving allegations that he failed to report a disciplinary action against him in another state. Under the terms of the agreement, Ceceri voluntarily agreed to surrender his license as well as his right to renew the license.

Michael J. Early, Newburyport: By Final Decision and Order, the Board revoked Early’s real estate attorney broker license. A review by the Board found that the Board of Bar Overseers revoked Early’s license to practice as an attorney. Under the Board’s regulations, the revocation warranted disciplinary action against Early’s real estate attorney broker license.

Gregory Fiore, Lynnfield: The Board entered into a consent agreement with Fiore, resolving allegations that he failed to supervise a real estate salesperson affiliated with him which led to funds being deposited into the escrow account that were not related to a real estate transaction. Under the terms of the agreement, Fiore agreed to a 45- day suspension of his license.

Frederick Komenda, Centerville: The Board entered into a consent agreement with Komenda, resolving allegations that he engaged in the practice of real estate brokering after his license had lapsed. Under the terms of the agreement, Komenda agreed to a 90-day suspension of his license.

Lawrence F. McCarthy, Hyde Park: By Final Decision and Order, the Board revoked McCarthy’s right to renew his license to practice as a real estate attorney broker. A review by the Board found that the Board of Bar Overseers revoked McCarthy’s license to practice as an attorney. Under the Board’s regulations, the revocation warranted disciplinary action by the Board against McCarthy’s real estate attorney broker license.

Kathleen Morris, Truro:  By Final Decision and Order by Default, the Board revoked Morris’ right to renew her real estate salesperson license.  A review by the Board found that Morris was found guilty in the Barnstable Superior Court on a variety of charges, including larceny, embezzlement, and forgery, and that she failed to report these convictions to the Board.

Timothy V. O’Brien, Somerville: By Final Decision and Order by Default, the Board revoked O’Brien’s right to renew his real estate salesperson license.  A review by the Board found that O’Brien failed to remit the full amount of client funds provided to him as a deposit for an apartment rental agreement that was ultimately rejected. The Board also found that O’Brien was operating a real estate business, BRW-Rentals, Inc., without holding a real estate broker license in violation of board regulations.

Sorn C. Richardson, Framingham: The Board entered into a consent agreement with Richardson, resolving allegations he failed to account for or remit money belonging to others which came into his possession as a real estate broker. Under the terms of the agreement, Richardson agreed to a 60-day suspension of his license.

Lynn Strazzere, Reading:  The Board entered into a consent agreement with Strazzere, resolving allegations that she pled guilty to one count of using a telephone for gaming purposes and one count of conspiracy in Essex Superior Court, and that she failed to report these criminal convictions to the Board within thirty days. Under the terms of the agreement, Strazzere agreed to a 60-day suspension of her license.

Licensed real estate brokers and salespersons assist consumers wishing to purchase, sell, lease, or exchange real property. The Board seeks to protect consumers by exercising its authority to discipline real estate agents who violate licensing laws and regulations. Currently, the Board licenses more than 71,000 individuals and businesses in Massachusetts, and also regulates the curriculum and operation of real estate schools.

The Division of Professional Licensure (DPL) is a regulatory agency within the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. The agency is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance and the integrity of the licensing process for approximately 370,000 licensees in trades and professions under the jurisdiction of 31 boards of registration. DPL also licenses and regulates private occupational schools.

Consumers are urged to visit the DPL’s website at www.mass.gov/dpl <http://www.mass.gov/dpl>  and select the “Check a Professional’s License <http://license.reg.state.ma.us/public/licque.asp> ” link to determine whether a professional with whom they may do business is licensed and in good standing. Follow DPL on Twitter @MassDPL <http://www.twitter.com/massdpl/> .