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Resident: Southwest Escrow Hasn't Paid My Taxes For 4 Years

As KFOX has reported, Southwest Escrow in Horizon City shut down and the owners have also apparently disappeared.

Along with them, a lawsuit filed this week alleges that $133,000 in property payments is currently unaccounted for along with $357,000 in property tax payments.

However, according to one client, the number may be higher. Rosa Avila alleges Southwest Escrow has not paid her taxes like they were supposed to since back in 2005.

"We bought the house in 2007, and we've been fine,” Avila said. "I called the tax assessor and they told me since 2005 we owe $5,000, and we have to pay them before Jan. 31st."

According to Avila, she had no idea that she was inheriting tax debt when she bought her Horizon City home in 2007. She said Southwest Escrow was supposed to pay her taxes every year; the money was to be taken out of her monthly payments.

In the lawsuit against Southwest Escrow, it names a man by the name of J.D. Lofton, as the agent of record for the company. According to sources, Lofton is part of the family of the owners.

KFOX reporter Derek Shore located Lofton’s east El Paso address Wednesday and went and knocked on his door.

“I have nothing to say,” Lofton said through the door.

Shore also contacted Lofton’s attorney, Stewart Forbes. Forbes also refused to offer any comment.

Meanwhile Avila plans on contacting her broker, but she fears she may be responsible for the back taxes.

"I don't even know where to come up with $5,000,” Avila said.

Stay with KFOX for ongoing developments on this story.
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