CORTLAND -- Following our exclusive story last week about the Attorney General's investigation into the foreclosure industry in New York State, a number of people have contacted CNYcentral with complaints about the Steven J. Baum Law Firm of Buffalo. Among them is Robert Goerlich, of Cortland, who has been battling foreclosure of his home since 2006.
Goerlich complains that the Baum law Firm, acting on behalf of Wells Fargo Bank, has refused to "cut him some slack" as he tries to keep his home from foreclosure. Goerlich says he was at first lead to believe that the bank would modify his mortgage under a special hardship status back in 2006 when he fell behind on his payments. At that time, both of Goerlich's parents had been murdered in Florida, and he had to take a leave of absence from his job to settle their estate. Shortly thereafter, he was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma cancer and thyroid cancer, which he is battling to this day.
Goerlich accuses the Baum Law Firm of strong arm tactics and a refusal to consider his plight.
Later this month, Goerlich will be in court as Wells Fargo intends to evict him and his family from their home.
A representative of Baum has not yet returned our call for comment. Last week we reported that Attorney General Eric Schneiderman had subpoenaed the records of the Baum Law Firm as part of an investigation into questionable practices in the foreclosure industry. At the time, Baum issued a statement saying "The firm will cooperate with the Attorney General in this matter. We are confident after a full review by the Attorney General they will find no wrongdoing."
