Estero title agent arrested in $700K fraud case

ESTERO — The Florida Department of Financial Services says an Estero title agent was arrested on allegations she stole client funds intended for real estate transactions.

According to a statement from the office of Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, Lana Dargai of Estero was arrested on allegations she stole more than $705,000 from clients. The department revoked her title agent license, the statement says.

Atwater's office says Dargai allegedly stole the funds from May to August 2010 while she was doing business as Global Title Company. The underwriter for the funds was forced to cover the resulting losses.

If convicted of grand theft and fraud, Dargai faces up to 15 years in prison, according to a release. State Attorney Stephen Russell is prosecuting Dargai's case.