Deputies said the 81-year-old Delaware man escaped an Elkton home after being restrained, injured and robbed during an alleged plot.
ELKTON, MD — Two people have been arrested after an 81-year-old Delaware man was found naked and injured in a yard in Elkton, where authorities say he escaped after being restrained, assaulted and robbed inside a nearby home.
Cecil County sheriff’s deputies responded to the unit block of Chestnut Drive at about 8:30 a.m. Nov. 4 after receiving reports of an injured man outside a residence. Deputies found the man with visible injuries to his head and body. He was taken to Christiana Care Hospital in Newark, Delaware, for treatment and was later released, according to authorities.
The man told investigators that he had traveled to the residence earlier that morning to meet Taylor Storm Falcone, 31, of Elkton. Authorities said Austin Michael Maniscalco, 28, who also lived on Chestnut Drive, was inside the home. Investigators allege Falcone and Maniscalco conspired to lure the man to the residence, detain him, take his property and obtain access to a safe at his Delaware home.
According to the man’s account to investigators, Maniscalco became aggressive after he entered the residence and tied him to a chair with a cord. The man said he was punched and threatened with a knife while being prevented from leaving. Authorities said his clothing was removed while he remained restrained.
Investigators said Maniscalco heated syrup and poured it on the man, causing burns, while demanding the combination to the safe at the man’s Delaware residence. The sheriff’s office said the man described the treatment as “torture” and eventually provided the combination. Investigators said markings found on his body were consistent with portions of his account.
The man also reported that cash, jewelry and vehicle keys were taken during the incident. The reported property included $80, a gold chain, a gold watch, a gold bracelet and keys associated with three vehicles. Authorities said investigators later recovered property the man had reported stolen while searching the Chestnut Drive residence.
Authorities said Maniscalco eventually fell asleep inside the home, allowing the man to free himself and escape. The sheriff’s office received multiple calls reporting an injured, naked man outside the residence. Investigators also contacted police in New Castle County, Delaware, who checked the man’s home and found no indication that anyone had recently entered it, according to the sheriff’s office.
A judge authorized a search and seizure warrant for the Elkton residence. The Cecil County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team went to the property and repeatedly called for Maniscalco to surrender, authorities said. Investigators said he initially remained inside but surrendered as the team approached the residence and began breaching the door. Deputies arrested him at the scene. Falcone was arrested later when she returned to the residence.
Maniscalco was charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, first- and second-degree assault and conspiracy counts related to those offenses. He also faces theft, conspiracy to commit theft, reckless endangerment and false imprisonment charges. Falcone was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to commit first- and second-degree assault and conspiracy to commit theft. The charges are allegations, and neither defendant has been convicted in connection with the case.
Both Maniscalco and Falcone were being held without bond at the Cecil County Correctional Facility, according to authorities. The sheriff’s office has not announced additional arrests, and information about attorneys representing the defendants was not immediately available in the reports reviewed.
Author note: Last updated November 7, 2026.