Paul Ludeman, 56, of Holtsville, pleaded guilty in Suffolk County Court on Tuesday, April 25 to multiple charges, including endangering the welfare of a child, stemming from the February 2023 incident.
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Ludman was drunk on Feb. 14, 2023, when he stole a vehicle with his 14-month-old sleeping in it and drove in Greenport left.
The infant’s grandmother and a well-wisher followed Ludman and rescued the toddler from the car, prosecutors said. The child was not injured.
Ludman then continued to drive the stolen car, which eventually crashed into a guardrail.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said in a statement: “For that matter, this defendant stole a car with an infant in the backseat while under the influence of alcohol, with complete disregard for the law or anyone else. people.”
“This could end tragically … This blatant disregard for public safety was reckless, and now the accused is going back to prison.”
In court on Tuesday, Ludman pleaded guilty to the following charges:
- Third Degree Grand Theft (Felony)
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Misdemeanor)
- Driving while impaired (misdemeanor)
Ludeman is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, May 30, and he faces two to four years in prison.
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