I-Team 10 investigates: Update on R-H teacher charged with larceny

Posted at: 06/12/2007 5:40 PM | Updated at: 11/24/2008 6:21 AM
By: Brett Davidsen | WHEC.com

We're tracking new developments in the case of a Rush-Henrietta schoolteacher accused of ripping off an elderly woman. I-Team 10 broke the story last week.

Lynn Taliento is charged with grand larceny. Now prosecutors are concerned that Taliento's family may be removing valuable assets from their property.

While Lynn Taliento has remained locked up following her arrest last week, her husband has apparently been busy. Tuesday, Ralph Taliento sprinted from court to avoid our cameras and our questions.

We had hoped to ask him questions like, what happened to the hot tub and the patio furniture and the stainless steel gas grill that were on his back deck a week ago. Because they aren't there now. Neighbors tell us he spent the weekend carting those things away on a flatbed. Prosecutors tell I-Team 10 they are considering action to freeze the family assets.

"It's very difficult. The only way that you can do it is to apply to the Supreme Court to attach the property,” said prosecutor Jennifer Whitman. "We're going to be looking into it based upon what I’ve heard has been going on."

The Talientos have been living comfortably in their $140,000 house in Chili. As we showed you, they have a sporty convertible, two trucks, a trailer and a new swimming pool. 

At the same time, police say Lynn Taliento was making up stories to pry money from an elderly widow, draining her of three quarters of a million dollars and leaving her penniless.

"She's just a crook. That’s all I can say. She’s a crook," said the victim, who wanted to remain anonymous.

Police are now trying to figure out if Taliento, who teaches business at Rush-Henrietta's Ninth Grade Academy, also improperly obtained the social security numbers of her students.

Whitman said they're also fielding calls from other potential victims.

"There were some people who have contacted both my office and the New York State Police and we're furthering the investigation," Whitman said.  

I-Team 10 has learned that Ralph Taliento was arrested in Irondequoit in 2001 for stealing the social security number of his own child to open a credit card account. He pleaded guilty to forgery and was sentenced to a conditional discharge and four workdays at the jail. He is not charged in connection with this case.

Lynn Taliento appeared in court Tuesday morning and retained a new attorney. She's due back in front of the judge next week. Her bail remains at $100,000.

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