Lewes man charged in rape of elderly woman

The Delaware State Police say, they have charged 43-year-old David Elder in connection to a rape of a 78-year-old female.

The incident reportedly took place on Monday around 12:45 AM. Officials say, Elder entered the woman’s home in Rehoboth Beach, with a key to the house and began making inappropriate advances and physical contact with her. Elder, who was reportedly wearing a mask at the time, then departed the home and rode away on his electric powered bicycle. The female victim was familiar with the owner of the bicycle and immediately called the suspect’s wife. While the two were on the phone, reports say Elder returned to his house on his bicycle and his wife immediately ran out of the house to call 911.

According to reports, police found Elder in possession of the mask he was wearing, at his residence and took him into custody. He is being charged with first and second degree rape, first degree burglary, and wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony. He is being held on a $226,000 cash bond.

Officials also mentioned David Elder is a tier two registered sex offender due to a 1993 unlawful sexual contact conviction.

Due to the sensitivity of this case, and in consideration of the victim, police say only limited information will be released.