81-year-old man tortured with hot syrup to reveal safe code, sheriff says
Suspects lured victim to Elkton home where he was held, burned, and robbed of jewelry and three vehicles.
By Nikolai Morales ·
An 81-year-old Delaware man suffered burns and was robbed of roughly $80, gold jewelry, and three vehicles after being lured to a Maryland home, according to the Cecil County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies discovered the victim naked in the front yard of a residence on the unit block of Chestnut Drive around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. He appeared injured at the time of discovery.
The incident began when the victim traveled to the home to meet Taylor Falcone, 31. Once inside, he was confronted by Michael Maniscalco, 28. Investigators say Maniscalco tied the victim to a chair, punched him with a closed fist, and held a knife to his throat to prevent escape.
Authorities allege the pair forced the victim to remove his clothing while hot syrup was poured over his body. This action caused multiple burns. The abuse was intended to coerce the victim into revealing the combination to a safe at his Delaware residence.
Maniscalco wrote the safe combination on the victim's forehead with a marker. He also marked the victim's chest while threatening further violence. Falcone left the home during the assault, according to the sheriff's office.
Maniscalco stole a gold chain, a gold Seiko watch, a gold bracelet, and keys to a 2026 Chevrolet Corvette, a 2026 GMC Sierra, and a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The victim freed himself after Maniscalco fell asleep.
Deputies took Maniscalco into custody following a brief standoff. A search of the house recovered the stolen items. Maniscalco faces charges for robbery and assault, while Falcone faces conspiracy charges. Both suspects are currently held without bail. The victim was treated at a hospital and released.
