The case began when deputies found an injured 81-year-old outside a Chestnut Drive home and ended with two arrests.
ELKTON, Md. — Two people have been charged after an alleged robbery and assault of an 81-year-old Delaware man led Cecil County deputies to an Elkton home, where one suspect was taken into custody following a standoff and investigators recovered property reported stolen from the victim.
The law-enforcement response began about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, when deputies were called to the unit block of Chestnut Drive after reports of an injured man in a yard. Authorities said the man had escaped from the residence after being restrained and assaulted. The investigation quickly focused on two people associated with the home: 28-year-old Austin Michael Maniscalco and 31-year-old Taylor Storm Falcone.
Investigators allege the pair conspired to bring the Delaware man to the Elkton residence so they could detain and rob him and obtain the combination to a safe at his home. The victim told authorities he had traveled to the residence to meet Falcone and encountered Maniscalco after entering the house.
The Cecil County Sheriff’s Office alleges Maniscalco restrained the victim in a chair, struck him, threatened him with a knife and demanded the safe combination. Investigators also said the victim suffered burns after hot syrup was poured on him. The man eventually provided the safe combination, authorities said. The allegations describe a prolonged effort to obtain information that could have given the defendants access to additional property at the victim’s Delaware residence.
Authorities said Falcone left the home while the assault was taking place. Investigators allege Maniscalco took cash, jewelry and vehicle keys from the victim. The stolen items were reported to include about $80, a gold chain, a gold watch, a gold bracelet and keys associated with several vehicles.
Investigators said the victim escaped after Maniscalco fell asleep. He was able to free himself and get outside, where deputies responding to calls found him with apparent injuries. Emergency personnel took the man to a hospital. Authorities later said he was released after receiving treatment.
The escape triggered a larger police response at the Chestnut Drive property. Maniscalco initially remained inside the residence as deputies surrounded the location. A sheriff’s office Special Response Team was involved before Maniscalco ultimately was taken into custody. Falcone was arrested later when she returned to the residence, according to authorities.
Investigators searched the home after the arrests and said they recovered property that had been taken from the victim. Authorities also contacted law enforcement in Delaware in connection with the victim’s residence. No separate break-in at his home has been reported as part of the allegations made public in the case.
Maniscalco faces charges including robbery, first-degree assault, false imprisonment and theft, along with additional counts. Falcone faces conspiracy charges tied to robbery, assault and theft. Prosecutors must prove those allegations in court, and the filing of criminal charges does not establish guilt.
The defendants’ custody status changed after some of the first reports on the case. Authorities initially said both were being held without bond, but WMAR-2 News later reported that electronic court records showed Falcone had posted bail after initially being held without bond. Maniscalco remained jailed without bond, according to the station’s latest report. The case now moves through the Maryland court system as investigators and prosecutors pursue the charges stemming from the alleged attack.
Author note: Last updated Nov. 6, 2026.