By Shayna Jacobs and Josh Williams
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN SUPREME COURT — The CBS producer who tried to swindle David Letterman out of millions was sentenced to six months in jail on Tuesday afternoon.
Robert "Joe" Halderman, 52, wore a pink tie and carried two books with him at his sentencing: the Bible and the "Girl Who Played With Fire," a Swedish mystery novel about a journalist investigating a tale of murder and blackmail.
He will serve 1,000 of community service.
Halderman declined to make any comment and was stoic throughout the proceedings. After signing the necessary paperwork following his sentencing, he threw the pen on the table and let it fell to the ground.
Halderman was convicted after trying to bribe Letterman for $2 million in exchange for the rights to a "screenplay," the plot of which would expose Letterman's secret private life, which included relationships with Late Show employees, one of whom was Halderman's ex-girlfriend.
His demands for hush money were intercepted by Letterman's attorney, who was relaying information about the bribe attempt to the Manhattan District Attorney.
The blackmailer's antics led to Letterman's shocking on-air confession about his extra-marital affairs, an announcement that came as criminal charges were filed against Halderman.
"This so-called treatment was just a thinly veiled threat to ruin Mr. Letterman if he did not pay me a lot of money," Halderman confessed while pleading guilty on March 9.
Halderman apologized to Letterman and his family, his ex-girlfriend, Stephanie Birkitt, and "everyone else that I have hurt or disappointed."
