NY Entrepreneur Accused of Stealing Homeowner Funds Pleads Not Guilty
Lauren Taliento, who marketed herself as a 'home saver,' faces a 46-count indictment for allegedly pocketing mortgage payments meant for lenders.
A New York entrepreneur advertised as a 'home saver' has pleaded not guilty to charges including grand larceny. Lauren Taliento, president of JT Homesavers, faces a 46-count indictment accusing her of stealing funds from homeowners seeking loan modifications.
Prosecutors allege that Taliento instructed at least one homeowner, Miguel Mora, to pay her directly as an intermediary for mortgage payments. Instead of forwarding the funds to the lender, prosecutors claim Taliento spent the money herself. Mora, a retired subway conductor, stated that his credit has been ruined due to 20 months of missed mortgage payments that remain on his report.
Taliento was released without bail following her arraignment. She maintained her innocence in a statement to WABC-TV, asserting that she genuinely cared for her clients and was available to them around the clock. She expressed shock at the charges.
Mora is the sole alleged victim named in the indictment. However, three other Staten Island residents, Donna Manitta, Fabiana Polizzi, and Constance Pantazis, who attended Taliento's hearing, claim they also lost their homes to foreclosure after hiring JT Homesavers for loan modification services. These individuals hope Taliento will face further charges.
"The investigation into this matter remains ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming," the Richmond County District Attorney's Office stated. Prosecutors had requested a restriction on Taliento's ability to continue offering loan modification services as a condition of her release, but the judge withdrew the request, allowing her business to operate while her case proceeds.
Fabiana Polizzi was previously featured in an ABC News investigation into 'home savers' in July, recounting the distress of losing her home. When questioned about how clients like Polizzi lost their homes, Taliento attributed the situation to banks, investors, and predatory lending, denying her own role.
If convicted on the most serious charge, Taliento could face up to seven years in prison. She is scheduled to return to court in November. Taliento's arraignment took place on Staten Island on October 5, 2026.