PHOTO: Debra Lawry, who traded as Debra Watchman, is accused of taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from her clients and staff
A Victorian real estate agent, Debra Lawry, also known as Debra Watchman, has allegedly fled the country after being accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from her clients and employees. Lawry, who operated under her trade name, is accused of draining her company’s trust accounts, leaving clients and staff without the funds they were owed, while reportedly flying to Europe at the end of last month.
Clients and Staff Left Out of Pocket
One of Lawry’s clients, primary school teacher Shay Preston, had recently sold her family home through Ray White. While Preston was able to recover her deposit, the delay caused by the alleged theft cost her thousands in additional expenses. The single mother described the ordeal as “very anxious and stressful,” adding that the past month had been particularly hard on her and her family.
“It was very hard, very anxious, very stressful,” Preston told 9News. “It’s been a very stressful month.”
Employees Owed Thousands
In addition to client losses, staff at Ray White Romsey, located north of Melbourne, are reportedly owed tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid superannuation, leave entitlements, and commissions, including from the sale of Preston’s home. Employees were shocked to discover their office cleared out, with reports that Lawry had been attempting to book long-term accommodation in Italy shortly before disappearing.
“I felt horrible,” Preston said. “They did a job for us, and regardless of who they were working under, they did a job.”
Debra Lawry, who traded as Debra Watchman, is accused of taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from her clients and staff, emptying the company’s trust accounts and telling other agents she was in hospital while flying to Europe at the end of last month. (Supplied)
Ongoing Investigation and Consumer Affairs Action
In the lead-up to Lawry’s disappearance, Consumer Affairs Victoria had announced plans to suspend or cancel her real estate licenses. The agency alleged that Lawry had deliberately failed to comply with auditing obligations over the last four years, which raised further concerns about her business practices.
Ray White has since reassured the public that it is committed to paying all commissions owed to its staff, despite the alleged theft by Lawry. The company is working to address the financial fallout for both employees and affected clients.
Legal Ramifications and Call for Action
As authorities continue to investigate the situation, many are hopeful that Lawry will be held accountable for the significant financial harm she is accused of causing. Preston and other victims are calling for swift legal action to ensure that Lawry faces justice.
“I hope she steps one toe out of wherever she is and they get her,” Preston said. “That’s a lot of people that she’s hurt.”
Lawry’s alleged actions have sparked outrage and left many in the real estate industry concerned about the integrity of trust accounts and the potential for further incidents like this. As the investigation unfolds, Consumer Affairs Victoria is urging other affected clients and employees to come forward.
SOURCE: 9NEWS