The Lloyd Harbor man who was behind the wheel of a runaway Humvee that ran over two teenaged sisters Sunday, killing one, pleaded guilty to loan-sharking.

Gerald Taddonio, 55, pleaded guilty to a loan-sharking scam in Manhattan, where prosecutors say he made up to $1 million by charging small businesses as much as 125 percent interest on business loans. His wife, Susan, also pleaded guilty to the same charge. Both are awaiting a September sentencing.

Taddonio was pulling a horse trailer in Huntington on Sunday when his vehicle careened onto a sidewalk where two sisters were walking. Police say 15-year-old Blanca Benitez died in her 17-year-old sister?s arms. Ana Benitez survived with minor head injuries and is under sedation. After the accident Taddonio, who was coming back from a horse show, checked on the girls and later collapsed. Police say Taddonio fell asleep while driving after suffering an episode of sleep apnea, an illness that causes sudden bouts of sleep.

Related Information