RI Association of Realtors Announces “Internal Review” of Seyboth, Warns Against Boycott
GoLocalProv News Team and Josh Fenton
RI Association of Realtors Announces “Internal Review” of Seyboth, Warns Against Boycott
In addition, RIAR is warning realtors against participating in a boycott against Seyboth.
Seyboth acknowledged that he is aware of the review.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTA series of stories by GoLocalProv unveiled threats levied by Seyboth at a family, threatening to call ICE if the family did not agree to the terms of a business deal.
Those threats were captured in a series of text messages — in which Seyboth used very graphic language.
Seyboth admitted to GoLocal that he did call ICE anyway.
Later, Seyboth apologized for that incident and gave his side of the deal gone wrong.
“He’s a Lunatic”
Then, GoLocal was party to a conversation between one of the family members and their attorney — Scott K. DeMello of the law firm Lepizzera & Laprocina.
The call took place last Tuesday afternoon. DeMello said on the call, “I know that we had talked about that the other day briefly, that you were thinking about [reaching out to GoLocalProv], and I suggest you didn't, recommend that you not do it. Yes. Kyle is very worried about it. On one hand, he's worried; on the other hand, he's a lunatic.”
“He's screaming that he's going to sue you if it comes out, but on the other hand, he's willing to pay you money to make the story go away if you enter into a confidentiality agreement and whatnot,” said DeMello on the call.
$20,000, If the Story Doesn’t Run
Further, Seyboth tried to stop GoLocal’s story by offering a payment.
“Kyle is offering you [the family] $20,000 if the story doesn't run and you agree to enter into a confidentiality agreement,” said DeMello.
Seyboth Caught on Audio
Then, in a separate incident, Seyboth was recorded berating a man in a dispute. The language in the audio is disturbing. It can be heard above.
Realtors’ Internal Review
Top officials at the RIAR sent an email to the organization's 7,000 members this week announcing the review and warning members.
Good afternoon,
This week there has been some disturbing news in the press about one of our members and we have heard from many of you expressing your concern and desire that the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS® take action on this issue.
Rest assured that this matter is being reviewed internally both legally and in relation to the rules of the REALTOR® organization’s Code of Ethics. The process is just that, a diligent process – one that takes time and allows for due process.
When called upon by GoLocalProv.com for a response to the article, this was the statement that was given:
“We are aware of the articles that ran in GoLocalProv.com this week and acknowledge that they were extremely disturbing at best.
Be assured that the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS® does not condone unprofessional conduct or language of any kind. This matter is being reviewed internally.
Please understand that weighing in on a private matter between two parties of which the Association is not privy to all details, nor which has been adjudicated through the court between the two parties, puts the Association in the position of possible legal liability. Therefore, no further public statement will be made at this time.
Also, please be aware that the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS® has no jurisdiction over licensing.”
We understand the outrage caused by the GoLocalProv.com articles. However, please be aware that calling for group boycotts of any particular licensee or brokerage is grounds for potential antitrust litigation, which can result in serious fines and penalties, both personally and professionally. We caution each of you to avoid any such discussions, whether in print, online, social media, phone, or in-person.
Again, please be assured that the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS® takes the articles reported this week very seriously and is following an internal review process created by attorneys and protocols that follow the tenets of due process. We truly understand that real estate is a referral business and the actions of one can hurt many. We ask for your understanding as we diligently work through this.
Sincerely,
Philip Tedesco, CEO
Rhode Island Association of REALTORS®
Chris Whitten, President
Rhode Island Association of REALTORS®
Seyboth Responds to News of Review
Seyboth, in a text to GoLocal, writes, "I have great respect for the Association’s procedures and trust that the facts will provide clarity. I sincerely hope that no other seller—or anyone, for that matter—has to experience what I did: an acquaintance, taking advantage to the extent of $275,000. What was intended to be a 30-day transaction ultimately extended over eleven months."
"I deeply regret my actions and any words that may have caused offense, and I offer my sincere apologies to anyone affected. I’ve been a proud member of RIAR for nearly 15 years and remain committed to upholding the standards of our profession as I continue to serve the people of Rhode Island in the years to come. I've helped thousands of happy clients over the past 15 years and will continue to operate to the best of my ability," he adds.
Seyboth is separately facing a civil charge by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office. READ HERE.
That case is ongoing.
In addition, reached after the publication of the first article about Seyboth's threat to call ICE, the Communications Director for Attorney General Peter Neronha, Tim Rondeau, wrote in an email to GoLocal, “We are aware and will be reviewing the matter.”