Press Release  Former Real Estate Agent in Boston Charged in Connection With Multiple Schemes to Steal Money for Personal Use

BOSTON — A former Boston-based real estate agent has been charged in connection with stealing more than $166,000 from 19 individuals, including his co-workers and acquaintances, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.

Dale Murawski, age 42, formerly of Boston and most recently residing in New Jersey, was arraigned yesterday in Suffolk Superior Court on the charges of Larceny Over $250 (18 counts). Murawski pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The AG’s Office began an investigation in 2016 following a complaint received by the office that assisted investigators in locating many more alleged victims. If any member of the public believes they may have been victimized by Murawski’s conduct or has any information relating to others who may have been victimized, they are encouraged to contact the Attorney General’s Office at 617-963-2910.

Authorities allege that Murawski employed a variety of schemes that generally involved telling a co-worker or acquaintance that he needed money in connection with his divorce or for a real estate purchase. Murawski allegedly told these individuals that he did not have ready access to his own funds because he was transferring money between accounts or selling stock. He also said that he was seeking a short loan that he would pay back with 20 percent interest in a matter of days.

In one scheme, authorities allege that Murawski was at a bar and learned that two women were looking to rent an apartment in Beacon Hill. Murawski allegedly told these women that he owned a Beacon Hill apartment and was looking to rent it. They subsequently provided him with first and last month’s rent totaling $4,200. Authorities allege that Murawski did not own any apartment, but instead was facing eviction for nonpayment of rent from his apartment in Beacon Hill. He cashed checks from the two women and never returned their money.

Authorities allege that throughout all these schemes, Murawski did not use the money received for its stated purpose, but instead used it to gamble or cover other personal expenses. Murawski allegedly paid some victims back early on using gambling winnings or money from other victims, but authorities found that he ultimately failed to repay more than $143,000.

These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General John J. Reynolds III of AG Healey’s White Collar and Public Integrity Division and Assistant Attorney General Jim O’Brien, Chief Trial Counsel of the White Collar and Public Integrity Division, with assistance from Victim Witness Advocate Megan Murphy of AG Healey’s Victim Witness Services Division. This case was investigated by Sallyann Nelligan of the Financial Investigations Division, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Boston Police Department.

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