Customers looking to hire young, female escorts during the Saratoga track season found a reduced field because of recent action by the State Police.

A few weeks ago, investigators showed up at the Colonie residence of the longtime operator of Extreme Fantasies and seized his computers, cellphones, tax records, appointment books and other records, according to a man identifying himself as John at the company's listed number. A website, which promoted women modeling at the Spa Park, the Empire State Plaza and the Capitol, was taken down.

"This has devastated me," said John. He said the State Police have accused him of promoting prostitution. He referred questions to his lawyer, Stephen Coffey, who did not return calls. The Department of State lists Extreme Fantasies Entertainment Inc. as incorporated by John P. Lawless.

John said he has run the escort service for about a decade and has never had any trouble with the law or with his help.

"All these women would tell you I treated them good," he said. "They would tell you I never asked them to provide illegal services. The clients would tell you I never promised any illegal services."

The business has been among a handful in the Capital Region that do brisk business during the horse racing season, but State Police essentially closed Lawless down without notifying the public as to why.

Lt. Michael Lair, of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation at Troop G, said there is an investigation, but because it is ongoing, no details are being shared. The company's offerings, found on sites such as chamberofcommerce.com, include "the most beautiful and seductive girls in the Capital District" for erotic sessions including dinner dates and lap dancing, but "no illegal service."

GOP optimism expressed at track fundraiser

Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos predicted last week at his $750-per-head campaign event at the Reading Room that his Republican conference will have a net gain of three senators after the November elections. He did not say who he believed would be the new additions. About 200 people participated at the event and were joined by a dozen sitting senators, including the Capital Region GOP delegation and some who traveled hundreds of miles, including Michael Nozzolio, Catharine Young and George Maziarz.

Sen. Maziarz postpones hearing until September

Sen. Maziarz called off an Aug. 16 hearing on Native American issues. Despite the postponement, Oneida leader Ray Halbritter submitted remarks, focusing on protecting existing Indian casinos, such as the Oneida's Turning Stone in Verona.

"The state would not approve a basketball arena next to Madison Square Garden, or an airport right next to the Buffalo International Airport, or approve a hospital without a certificate of need," he said. "Based upon the same reasoning, the state should not support a gaming policy that allows for casino development to occur in areas already benefitting from existing gaming." Alluding to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's "Yogurt Summit," Halbritter called for a summit where Native American and state leaders could discuss ways to "bring about positive results for all people." Maziarz said he has not yet read the remarks and can't comment. He plans a late-September hearing.

jodato@timesunion.com • 518-454-5083 • @JamesMOdato