Ex-producer faces jail in NYC for trying to shake down David Letterman over his office affairs
By APTuesday, May 4, 2010
Ex-producer faces jail in NYC for Letterman plot
NEW YORK — A former CBS television producer who admitted trying to shake down David Letterman over the late-night comic’s office affairs is bracing for time behind bars.
Robert “Joe” Halderman was set to be sentenced Tuesday to a six-month jail term, as planned when he pleaded guilty in March to attempted grand larceny. His plea deal also calls for 1,000 hours of community service.
Halderman admitted trying to extort $2 million from the “Late Show” host last fall by threatening to ruin his reputation. Authorities say Halderman buttressed the threat with information he’d culled from the diary of a former girlfriend who worked for Letterman.
The scheme prompted Letterman to disclose on air he’d had sex with women on his staff.
Viewers have stuck with Letterman. But he says the scandal has taken a personal toll.
