CBS Producer Pleads Not Guilty in Letterman Extortion Case
Credit: Brad Barket/Getty Images for TFF
An Emmy Award-winning producer for the CBS News program 48 Hours Mystery has pleaded not guilty to an alleged $2 million extortion attempt against David Letterman.
Robert Joel Halderman, 51, was arraigned Friday in Manhattan on a felony charge of attempted grand larceny. He is accused of demanding money from Letterman or else he would cause "severe damage" to Letterman's life by revealing that he had sexual relationships with his female employees. Halderman reportedly lived with former Lettermen assistant Stephanie Birkitt, who had an affair with him, according to reports.
See a video of Letterman's former assistant Stephanie Birkitt
A judge set his bail at $200,000.
Court records show that Halderman, who lives in Norwalk, Conn.needed to pay about $6,800 a month in child and spousal support to his former wife. Prosecutors declined to say whether he had financial problems or other possible motives to support his two kids, ages 11 and 18.
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"The message of this indictment should be clear. New York City will not tolerate the coercion or extortion of anyone, be the victim rich or poor, famous or anonymous," District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau said.
If convicted, Halderman faces five to 15 years behind bars.
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4Bob Halderman is a blithering MORON and DOUCHEBAG. My other nominees for STUPIDEST people on the planet include former Survivor winner Richard Hatch, Jessica Simpson, and Lindsay Lohan.
That CBS Producer is the DUMBEST guy alive??? Who cares if Letterman had sex with a women who worked for him??? Like that's worth 2 million dollars?? If I were Dave Letterman, I would do the same this. Fess Up. Tell the world world, and send this jackass to jail. The CBS Producer just hanged himself.
For those who defend Dave, how would you feel if you had been at CBS for a lot longer than the 'girl friday' intern and worked as one of the top writers or directors, but she made a lot more $$ than you? She always went to lunch or dinner with Dave and had his ear -- but he would never include you or any colleagues? Here you thought hard work was rewarded, but your boss was giving it to his assistant and paying her MORE and she had his ear too?
Somewhere , Sarah Palin's laughing, don't cha know!!! And I bet there's some other stuff because having sex ain't so bad.....I bet there's more...dum dum duuuuuuuummmmmm!!.