DAVID LETTERMAN EXTORTIONIST RELEASED FROM JAIL

Friday, September 03 2010 05:13

The former TV producer who tried to blackmail David Letterman has been released from jail after serving four months of a six-month sentence. Robert "Joe" Halderman pleaded guilty to attempted grand larceny after he was accused of demanding $2 million from Letterman to keep from revealing personal information about the Late Show host's sexual relationships.

Although Halderman's time at New York's Riker's Island was reduced due to good behavior, he must still complete 1,000 hours of community service. His lawyer said, "He survived this, and he's glad to be getting off the island."

Halderman's actions prompted Letterman to admit on air that he'd had sex with women on his staff throughout the years. He also made a public apology to wife Regina Lasko, whom he's been with since 1986.

One of the women Letterman slept with was one of Halderman's exes. His lawyer admitted the blackmail was prompted by both financial problems and romantic jealousy.