National Home Research Group review: foreclosure defense scam

Michael Delagarza. A coke dealer. I have witnessed him as recently as two weeks ago courting escorts in adult clubs. He claims to run a law firm saving people's homes. There are literally 8 people in the office. 8 people. It's a boiler room. He is a criminal. I've heard him say, "hold the file until they pay". He will take your money and deliberately hold a person's file who is in foreclosure until he gets paid. A homeowner calls this company, is in foreclosure and will be pushed aside until he gets paid. One of his processors, Elizabeth Arnold, deals drugs in the office. Matthew Stevens, one of his sales reps, lies to people, promising them guaranteed results. I could go on but there is no need. Please, be safe. Do not deal with this scam company. http://poststar.com/news/local/pair-arrested-on-federal-drug-charges/article_62bba05f-982b-5dd0-a78a-ddcd54772c8e.html

QUEENSBURY - Two local men were arrested on federal drug charges late Monday at a Route 9 health club in a bust that police said led to one of the biggest cocaine seizures in Warren County's history.
In all, investigators seized 11 ounces of cocaine that a Lake George man had agreed to sell to a confidential informant, authorities said. And one of the two men charged was a co-owner of the gym where the arrests happened, Flex Appeal Fitness Center.
That man, Philip Guarino, 36, of 18 Colonial Court, was charged with fourth-degree conspiracy to distribute the hallucinogen/stimulant Ecstasy.
Charged in connection with the alleged cocaine deal was Michael A. Delagarza, 30, of P.O. Box 611, Lake George, Glens Falls police Chief Richard Carey said in a news release.
Authorities said he had allegedly agreed to sell the informant 6 ounces of the drug. But when the informant and investigators set up the deal about 10 p.m. Monday, Delagarza offered 11 ounces.
Glens Falls police Detective Sgt. Lloyd Swartz, the department's drug officer, said the quantity of cocaine was the largest seized locally in recent memory.
"That's the most cocaine our group has ever seen around here, " he said.
He said investigators believed it was being distributed locally.
Local police would say little about the case late Tuesday. Investigators said the inquiry was ongoing and additional arrests in the Albany area were possible.
Swartz said the investigation was begun by the Albany-based Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The Albany-area group then asked for the assistance of the Warren County drug task force when it became apparent the local men were involved, he said.
Both men were arraigned Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Albany and held pending bail hearings, officials said.
Guarino identified himself as a co-owner of the health club when interviewed for a 2000 Post-Star article about dietary supplements.
A person who answered the phone at Flex Appeal on Tuesday night said the owners were not available. He said the gym closes nightly at 10 p.m.
Glens Falls police, state police, the Warren County Sheriff's Department and the state Division of Parole assisted the Capital District task force, Carey said in the news release.
Staff writer Jim Tracy contributed to this report.