Accused Letterman Extortionist Is Network Colleague

03 October 2009

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The man accused of attempting to extort $2 million (£1.3 million) from U.S. talk show host David Letterman has been exposed as a top TV producer.

On Thursday (01Oct09) Letterman revealed he had become the victim of a bribery plot over his sexual affairs with several female members of staff.

The blackmailer demanded the cash to keep the information out of the public domain - but Letterman turned to authorities and the man was arrested in New York on Thursday.

Cbs was made aware of an ongoing police investigation involving David Letterman and an employee at 48 Hours, who was subsequently arrested earlier today

Cbs network chiefs have now unveiled the identity of the alleged extortionist - producer Robert 'Joe' Halderman, who works on the channel's true crime programme 48 Hours.

Halderman was reportedly involved in a relationship with Letterman's former assistant Stephanie Birkitt, who allegedly enjoyed an affair with Letterman until 2003.

A statement released by TV bosses on Thursday reads, "Cbs was made aware of an ongoing police investigation involving David Letterman and an employee at 48 Hours, who was subsequently arrested earlier today on charges of attempted grand larceny in the first degree."

Halderman has since been suspended from his job pending further investigation.

Letterman married longtime girlfriend Regina Lasko in March (09).

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