Millions missing from title and escrow accounts: Investigation widens into NM Title Co.

Several million dollars appear to be missing from title and escrow accounts at New Mexico Title Co., a police detective said Tuesday, as the investigation widens into possible wrongdoing at the Farmington business.

“It’s going to be a pretty large and complex investigation,” said Farmington Police Sgt. Brandon Lane.

The New Mexico Division of Insurance is auditing the business with the help of the title company’s insurance underwriter, First American Title Insurance Co. A report is expected as soon as this week.

Once that report is completed, Farmington police will determine if criminal charges are warranted, Lane said. Investigators are working to discover the extent of funds missing, but the initial investigation suggests it could be more than $10 million, he said.

“From the interviews that we have done with some involved parties, we’re starting to get into the double-digit million mark,” he said. “Several million dollars worth of funds … are missing at this point.”

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