Holtsville Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing and Crashing Vehicle with Baby Onboard

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY – Paul Ludeman, 56, of Holtsville, has pleaded guilty today to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, Driving While Ability Impaired, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child after he stole a vehicle with a 14-month-old sleeping baby inside.

According to the investigation and Ludeman’s own admissions, he drove the stolen vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

The infant’s grandmother and a Good Samaritan were able to follow Ludeman, remove the child from the vehicle unharmed, and alert the police. Ludeman eventually crashed the vehicle into a guardrail in Greenport.

On May 30, 2023, Ludeman is due in court for sentencing, where he is expected to be ordered to serve two to four years in prison.