Florida Woman Accused of Arranging Date With Elderly Man So Her Ex-Boyfriend Could Rob Him: Sheriff

A man and woman in Florida have been arrested after police said they allegedly lured an elderly man into a violent robbery under the guise of a romantic date.

Around 5 a.m. on Feb. 22, the 73-year-old victim was transported to the emergency room after suffering several injuries, which prompted hospital staff to contact law enforcement, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

The man told deputies he had been struck with a metal object numerous times and his wallet had been stolen in the Plantation Pines neighborhood, according to the sheriff's office.

During an investigation into the alleged incident, the sheriff said deputies determined the victim met with 34-year-old Chelsea Wright at a bar to “talk about their romantic relationship.” While at the bar, authorities said, Wright asked the man to come to her house and he agreed to follow her in his car.

During the drive, Wright pulled over and picked up her ex-boyfriend, 33-year-old Andrew Marks, who was standing on the side of the road, police said. Wright later stopped her vehicle and dropped off Marks near a home.

Sheriff's officials said the victim then got out of his vehicle and went up to Wright’s car, and Marks reappeared and allegedly struck the elderly man in the head with the metal object, continuing to beat him “when he fell to the ground in the fetal position.”

Marks then is accused of grabbing the victim’s wallet and fleeing the scene with Wright as the man lay injured and bleeding.

The man sustained injuries to his head, torso and arms, officials said. He also required staples to treat lacerations to his head, and his eye was swollen shut.

Officials conducting surveillance on Wright performed a traffic stop and allegedly found narcotics in her possession, according to the sheriff's office. She was arrested on drug charges and probation violations.

Investigators interviewed Wright and alleged she falsely claimed she picked up an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s who attacked the victim. Authorities, however, indicated text message evidence shows Wright and Marks allegedly plotted the attack and robbery together.

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On March 1, officers located Marks in Holly Hill. He was arrested on charges of robbery with a weapon and aggravated battery of a victim over the age of 65.

In addition to the drug and probation violation charges, authorities said Wright also faces charges of robbery with a weapon and aggravated battery of a victim over 65.

Both suspects were being held in the Volusia County Jail.