David Letterman’s Extortion Plot Unveiled

David Letterman said on his show last night he received a package 3 weeks ago from someone claiming to have info about sexual encounters between Letterman and some female employees on his staff. He further went on to say that the individual had said Letterman would have to pay $2 million to keep the info secret.

He said that the package contained a letter that read, “I know that you do some terrible terrible things and I can prove that you do these terrible things.” Letterman went on to say, “sure enough what was contained in the package was proof that I do terrible, terrible things.”  Upon receiving the letter, Letterman contacted the Special Prosecution Bureau of the Manhattan D.A.’s office. He said the D.A. investigated and cut a phony $2 million check to the alleged extortionist, CBS employee Robert Joel Halderman, who was arrested.

Robert Halderman is an Emmy Award-winning producer for the CBS program “48 Hours Mystery.”  Thursday he was arrested outside his CBS studios in Manhattan and charged with first-degree attempted grand larceny (the maximum sentence is 15 years). He will be arraigned today at Manhattan State Supreme Court.

Letterman says he testified yesterday before the grand jury, and in his testimony, he says he acknowledged sexual relationships with members of his staff.

That’s probably not the best way to walk in the door at home. “Honey, I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is I saved us $2 million dollars today…” I’m sure this came as a shock to many since the 62-year-old Letterman had just married longtime girlfriend Regina Lasko back in March. The couple began dating in 1986 and have a son, Harry, born in November 2003.

I am glad Letterman came out and told everyone about the extortion issue instead of letting the media blow it up. Kudos to him.