Letterman Blackmailer Pleads Guilty

Emmy-winning CBS News producer Robert Halderman pleaded guilty on Tuesday to trying to blackmail David Letterman for $2 milion as payback for the late night host's affair with his live-in girlfriend. Halderman admitted that in threatening to write a screenplay about Letterman, it was "a thinly veiled threat to ruin Mr. Letterman if he did not pay me a lot of money."

Soruces reveal that in exhange for the plea, Halderman will get a six-month jail sentence. He will also be subject to 4 1/2 years of probation and do 1,000 hours of community service.

Outside of the courthouse, Halderman expressed remorse for the ordeal:

"I apologize to Mr. Letterman, to his family, to (girlfriend) Stephanie Birkitt and her family, and my family and friends."

Halderman's plea came just five months after he threatened to expose Letterman's affairs with numerous female staffers on his "Late Show", including his ex-girlfriend, Stephanie Birkitt.

Letterman released a statement about the outcome of the case:

"When they became involved with this case, I had complete faith that a just and appropriate result was inevitable. On behalf of my family, I am extremely grateful for their tireless efforts."

In two months, Halderman, 51, will return to court for sentencing and will then begin his term in jail. He had been convicted, Halderman could have faced up to 15 years in jail. He will plead guilty to attempted grand larceny charges.