SHARK CAGE FOR EX-COP

A hulking cop-turned-strong-arm man and a partner in crime nicknamed “Big Sue” were sentenced yesterday for their role a $1 million loan-sharking scheme.

Ex-NYPD cop Thomas Florio – known as “Fifi” for bringing a his little dog on shakedown missions – looked the part of a gangland thug as he stood in a jogging suit while listening to Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Roger Hayes send him away for up to three years.

Also sentenced was Susan “Big Sue” Taddonio, 40, who allegedly took part in the loan-sharking scam with Florio and her husband, Gerald, 52.

She was given three years of probation after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor tax violation.

Big Sue reportedly got her nickname from her exploits as a female bodybuilder – but she looked small and frail yesterday as she broke down and wept during the sentencing.

“I’m very sorry. I’m very sorry,” she said as she sat at the defense table.

Gerald Taddonio, an auto-body repair shop owner, was also on hand yesterday, but his sentencing was put off until later this month.

All three pleaded guilty to crimes connected with the scheme as part of plea-bargain deals.

Both Gerald Taddonio and Florio, 48, have been accused of acting as hired goons. Their duty allegedly was to scare debtors at the direction of accused Queens loan shark Donald Widel, 45.

The operation was exposed when one debtor who owed $20,000 went to authorities.

After the hearing, Florio’s lawyer said he had hoped his client would have gotten probation instead of prison time.

“But in the realm of possible sentences, it’s not completely unreasonable,” attorney Irvin Cohen said.

Florio’s teenage daughters were in the courtroom. They broke down in tears as their dad was cuffed and led off to prison.

Hayes ruled that Florio should be held in protective custody, since he is an ex-cop.

In July, Gerald Taddonio allegedly fell asleep behind the wheel and got into a crash that killed a Long Island girl in July.

He told cops he suffers from sleep apnea, a condition that disrupts his sleep and leaves him drowsy.

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