Ex-lawyer from Toms River faces trial for theft

A disbarred lawyer who practiced in Jersey City and lived in Toms River risks five to 10 years in prison for each of two counts related to the alleged theft of almost $100,000 from an aged client.

Joseph J. Talafous, 53, was indicted Monday by a state grand jury in Trenton, according to information from the office of acting New Jersey Attorney General John J. Hoffman.

He's charged with second-degree counts of theft by deception and misapplication of entrusted property. If found guilty, he would also be liable for a fine as high as $150,000.

According to investigators, Talafous used a power of attorney to withdraw $96,020 from the client's account starting in November 2008, and continued to do so even after the client died, until November 2010, claiming that it represented fees for legal services.

Authorities said that Talafous took $61,175 from the investment account and $34,845 from the estate.

Talafous's license to practice law in New Jersey was revoked by the state Supreme Court this past August.

In prepared remarks, Hoffman called the situation deplorable. "Lawyers are supposed to diligently guard the interests of their clients, but instead Talafous allegedly took advantage of this elderly client to the tune of $96,000, repeatedly stealing from the ailing man while he lived and then continuing to steal from his estate," Hoffman said.