EBay Executives and Company Settle Landmark Cyberstalking Case for $55.7 Million, Affirming Journalist Protection and Corporate Accountability

EVERETT, Mass. – July 27, 2026 – Scalli Murphy Law, P.C. today announced a historic civil rights settlement resolving the extensive civil litigation brought against eBay, Inc., several former eBay executives, and other employees. The case stemmed from a deeply concerning and widely publicized 2019 cyberstalking and harassment campaign orchestrated by the company, aimed at silencing the reporting of David and Ina Steiner, respected journalists and founders of the news site EcommerceBytes. This significant resolution, achieved after more than six years of both criminal and civil proceedings, not only provides substantial compensation to the plaintiffs but also includes robust charitable commitments, personal financial contributions from former eBay executives, a public statement from eBay, and crucially, no confidentiality restrictions.

The settlement marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle to protect journalists and publishers from corporate retaliation. The Steiner’s ordeal began in 2019 when, while the harassment campaign was actively underway, they sought legal counsel from Scalli Murphy Law. The firm played a critical role in assisting the Steiners, enabling them to bring in the Natick police department and subsequently, FBI investigators, to pursue the perpetrators.

The gravity of the situation was underscored by the United States Department of Justice, through the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. This office pursued criminal charges against former eBay employees, including Jim Baugh, David Harville, Brian Gilbert, Stephanie Popp, Stephanie Stockwell, Philip Cooke, and former eBay contractor Veronica Zea. Each of these individuals ultimately pleaded guilty to their involvement in the campaign of terror.

eBay itself faced criminal charges and entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. As part of this agreement, eBay committed to paying the maximum available criminal fine of $3 million and undertaking significant corrective actions to prevent future misconduct.

In 2021, the Steiners initiated a civil lawsuit against all defendants involved in the cyberstalking and harassment. In the spring of 2024, after a period of changing legal representation, the Steiners entrusted the lead of their civil litigation to a formidable legal team comprising Scalli Murphy Law, Diller Law LLP, Finkelstein & Partners LLP, and Finkelstein, Blankinship, Frei-Pearson & Garber, LLP.

Christopher Murphy, representing Scalli Murphy Law, articulated the overarching objectives of the litigation and its eventual resolution. "This case was always about more than obtaining financial recovery," Murphy stated. "From the beginning, our clients wanted to uncover the truth, protect journalists and publishers, hold those responsible accountable, deter future corporate misconduct, and help ensure others would never have to endure what they experienced. Through years of discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation, we were able to accomplish those objectives while securing meaningful compensation for two wonderful people. We believe this resolution sends a clear message that corporations and their executives cannot engage in this type of misconduct without facing significant consequences."

The comprehensive settlement includes several key components designed to not only compensate the victims but also to promote accountability and prevent future incidents. While specific details of the compensation package were not fully elaborated in the press release, the announcement highlighted the inclusion of substantial financial compensation for the plaintiffs, signifying a recognition of the profound impact the cyberstalking campaign had on their lives and livelihoods.

Furthermore, the settlement mandates significant charitable commitments, directing funds towards organizations that support journalism, civil rights, and the fight against online harassment. This aspect of the resolution underscores a commitment to broader societal benefit and a desire to turn a negative experience into a catalyst for positive change.

A crucial element of the settlement is the inclusion of personal financial contributions from former eBay executives who were implicated in the cyberstalking campaign. This provision directly holds individuals accountable for their actions, moving beyond corporate responsibility to personal culpability. The requirement for these personal contributions serves as a stark warning to corporate leaders that their decisions can have direct financial repercussions.

In a significant move towards transparency and accountability, eBay has agreed to issue a public statement acknowledging the events and the settlement. This public statement is intended to serve as a form of apology and an admission of the company’s role in the cyberstalking campaign. Crucially, the settlement includes no confidentiality restrictions, allowing the full details of the case and its resolution to be publicly accessible. This lack of a gag order is vital for ensuring that the public remains informed and that a precedent is set for future cases of corporate malfeasance.

The Steiner’s experience serves as a chilling reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by journalists in the digital age. Their reporting on eBay, which led to the company’s retaliatory actions, highlighted the lengths to which some corporations might go to control narratives and suppress unfavorable coverage. The cyberstalking campaign involved a range of tactics, including the use of sophisticated technology and human surveillance, designed to intimidate and silence the Steiners.

The successful prosecution of the former eBay employees and the company’s deferred prosecution agreement demonstrated the federal government’s commitment to addressing such egregious corporate misconduct. The subsequent civil litigation, culminating in this landmark settlement, further reinforces the legal framework designed to protect individuals from corporate harassment and to provide recourse for victims.

The legal team involved in securing this settlement emphasized the collaborative effort and the dedication of all parties involved. The protracted nature of the legal battle, spanning over six years, speaks to the complexity of the case and the determination of the Steiners and their legal counsel to achieve justice.

Additional background information regarding the litigation, the criminal proceedings, and the settlement is available upon request, indicating a commitment to transparency from the legal team.

Media inquiries can be directed to Ellen Keiley at EMK Consulting Group. Christopher Murphy is available for interviews and further comment on the case. The resolution of this cyberstalking case is expected to have a lasting impact on corporate behavior and the protection of journalistic integrity in the digital era. The settlement sends a clear message that attempts to silence journalists through illegal and unethical means will be met with significant legal and financial consequences.