The former CBS News producer who was accused of trying to shake down talk show host David Letterman for $2 million is set to plead guilty, according to the Daily News and Post, which reports, "Robert Halderman, a '48 Hours' producer, is expected to be sentenced to six months in jail, as well as ordered to do 1000 hours of community service and serve four-and-a-half years probation, as part of the agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to second-degree larceny in Manhattan Supreme Court today."
In October, Letterman told his talk show audience that he was being blackmailed to the tune of $2 million by an individual threatening to disclose Letterman's various sexual relationships with staffers (Letterman later apologized to his wife and Late Night staffers). Halderman had been dating Stephanie Birkitt, a former intern-turned-assistant to Letterman, and he allegedly became upset after reading her diary and e-mails to Letterman.
Letterman enlisted the Manhattan DA's office for help, and a sting operation was put into motion, with Letterman's lawyer giving Halderman a $2 million check. Halderman was arrested after depositing the check. The DA's office characterized Halderman as "desperate" because he was in debt with steep child support payments.
The Post says, "barring the deal falling apart," Halderman could serve just four months. Guess the "Tiger Woods" defense wasn't really flying.
