Culture

Robert Halderman Arrested in David Letterman Extortion Attempt

by Mary Richard | October 1, 2009 at 06:25 pm

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David Letterman reveals on the Late Show airing tonight that he has been the victim of an extortion plot by Robert "Joe" Halderman, 51, producer of CBS' 48 Hours.

Three weeks ago Letterman received a package from someone who claimed to have information about him having sexual relations with female staff. The person threatened to go public with their 'proof' unless Letterman paid them $2 million.

On the advice of Manhattan DA's office, he went ahead and gave a phony cheque to the extortionist, leading to their arrest.

]Letterman told his audience on Thursday that he contacted the Manhattan District Attorney's Special Prosecution Bureau. That led to a sting operation in which Letterman met with the individual and handed the person a fake $2 million check. That person was arrested on Thursday.

This morning, I did something I've never done in my life...I had to go downtown and testify before a grand jury...My response to that is, yes I have. Would it be embarrassing if it were made public? Perhaps it would. I feel like I need to protect these people - I need to certainly protect my family.

Letterman married Regina Lasko in March, but the couple has been together since 1986.

This is not the first time Letterman has been the victim of an extortion attempt. Police revealed a plot in 2005 to kidnap Letterman's baby son, Harry, for a $5 million ransom. House painter Kelly Frank was later charged with the crime.