Court Files Opened In David Letterman Extortion Case

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David Letterman on August 24, 2009
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David Letterman arrives at the ‘Late Show with David Letterman’ at the Ed Sullivan Theater on August 27, 2009 in New York City
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 October 2, 2009
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Late Night TV Show Host David Letterman makes a tribute to Johnny Carson onstage at the 57th Annual Emmy Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on September 18, 2005 in Los Angeles, California

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FIRST PUBLISHED: October 15, 2009 2:55 PM EDT
LAST UPDATED: October 15, 2009 3:06 PM EDT

NORWALK, Conn. --

The newsman accused of blackmailing David Letterman about his sexual affairs told the TV host that his “world is about to collapse around him,” according to newly released court documents.

CBS News producer Robert J. “Joe” Halderman allegedly told Letterman in a package of materials he sent that he had “a lot more” documents to back up his threat and needed to “make a large chunk of money,” the court files say.

Halderman has pleaded not guilty to trying to extort $2 million from Letterman to keep some of the comedian’s sexual affairs quiet.

According to the documents, Halderman sent a package with a demand letter, a treatment for a screenplay, photos and personal correspondence.

Letterman is not named specifically in the court documents, but they refer to “Client No. 1” as a public figure who faced the threat of “a ruined reputation” and damage to his career and family life.

Authorities also seized computer equipment, a camera memory card, banking information, photos and other items from Halderman’s home.

Court documents about the case were released Thursday after a hearing in Norwalk Superior Court.

Halderman, 51, a producer for CBS’ “48 Hours Mystery,” allegedly used diary entries by his former girlfriend — outlining her affair with Letterman — to extort money from the talk show star.

Letterman divulged details of the alleged extortion caper earlier this month during his show, including the admission that he had had affairs with women who worked for him on “Late Show.”

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