Robert J. Halderman, the man behind the alleged blackmail of David Letterman, pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of attempted grand larceny in the first degree in a New York City court on Friday.
Halderman, a producer for CBS’ crime investigation news magazine show “48 Hours,” was brought into the courtroom in handcuffs and wearing a blue striped dress shirt and a grey suit jacket with no tie.
The Manhattan District Attorney, Robert M. Morgenthau, asked that Halderman’s bail be set for $500,000, telling the court judge his alleged actions came from “desperation” and are “alarming and dangerous.”
Halderman’s attorney asked for bail to be set at $100,000, claiming his client is not flight risk.
The judge agreed to set Halderman’s bail at $200,000, which he posted on Friday afternoon.
His next court hearing is scheduled for November 10.
As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, On Friday D.A. Morgenthau claimed Halderman sent Letterman treatments for a screenplay and copies of a diary and letters, which allegedly belonged to former Letterman assistant Stephanie Birkitt. The D.A. claims Halderman then met with investigators on September 23 and allegedly said he would not publish the materials in exchange for $2 million.
Letterman’s “Late Show” audience was the first to hear the story on Thursday evening, when the host revealed details himself.
The news came as a shock to many as the 62-year-old Letterman married longtime girlfriend Regina Lasko in March. The couple began dating in 1986 and have a son, Harry, born in November 2003.
(Let your voice be heard! David Letterman described his actions as “creepy.” Tell us what you think on AH Nation!)
Copyright © 2024 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.