OMAHA, Neb. -- The state has shut down Guardian Title Services, an insurance and escrow business after an audit there uncovered possible employee theft.

More than $588,000 was found to be missing from Guardian's escrow account.

Checks issued to consumers from the account failed to clear because of insufficient funds. Additionally, the audit tracked movement of large sums of money between the escrow account and Guardian's operating account.

The company was operating out of an office near 156th Street and West Maple Road.

No one is there now after a "cease and desist" order from the state's Department of Insurance.

The audit also alleged Guardian collected title insurance premiums from consumers, but did not forward them to the insurance company.

The insurance company, United General, terminated its relationships with three guardian title employees who worked as agents.