An 81-year-old Marine Corps veteran was held hostage in a motel room in Highlands, New York, for at least four years by a man who was stealing his benefit checks, authorities said Thursday.
Perry Coniglio, 43, was arrested Tuesday during a police raid in his motel room adjoining the victim’s, the Associated Press reported. The U.S. Academy Motel, roughly 50 miles north of New York City, is a few steps away from a police station located next door.
Police said Coniglio physically abused and intimidated the veteran to coerce him into compliance. The victim, who has advanced dementia, is in the hospital for an evaluation.
Police Chief Jack Quinn told the Associated Press that the elderly man collected a "tremendous amount of money" each month in pension checks, food stamps, and Social Security benefits.
The charges against Coniglio include grand larceny and unlawful imprisonment. Video footage of his arrest show authorities detaining Coniglio at gunpoint while the veteran sat on his bed.
Police said they were notified of the incident after a neighbor turned over video showing the victim being physically abused.
