Alleged blackmailer used Letterman assistant Stephanie's diary as leverage
Manhattan Disctrict Attorney Robert Morgenthau says that "48 Hours" producer Robert "Joe" Halderman, who once lived with Letterman assistant Stephanie Birkitt, approached David Letterman outside his Connecticut home three weeks ago with copies of Stephanie's diary and personal correspondence he had with Dave. He also gave Letterman a letter stating that his “world is about to collapse around him” and that he would have a “ruined reputation." In the ensuing weeks, Halderman met with undercover cops twice before finally getting a $2 million check on Wednesday.
Halderman faces 15 years in prison after being indicted on attempted grand larceny
Suspect was arrested after trying to cash the $2M check // He had child support woes
Stephanie in 2004: Dave is "just playful" // Did Dave pay for Steph's law school?
Dave created a brilliant hour of TV // Brilliant crisis management // Fans forgive Dave
Couldn't this be sexual harassment? // Top 10 reasons why Sextortion case won't hurt
Lots of danger for Dave: He's the CEO of a major company, his image will be tarnished
Thursday’s admission looked a lot like calculation: His audience couldn't grill him
Blackmail boosted Thursday "Late Show" ratings 22%
Letterman the hypocrite: How can he ever mock politicans, celebs for their foibles?

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