By Shayna Jacobs
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — An ex-CBS producer serving time at Rikers Island for blackmailing David Letterman has something to look forward to when he's released — the Emmy Awards.
Former "48 Hours" producer Robert "Joe" Halderman was one of four producers who received an Emmy nomination for "American Girl, Italian Nightmare," a special about Amanda Knox, a woman convicted of murder overseas.
The Knox special is up for consideration in the "Outstanding Continuing Coverage of a News Story in a News Magazine" category, along with specials that aired on 60 Minutes, Frontline and Dan Rather Reports.
Halderman, 52, pleaded guilty to attempted grand larceny in March for trying to swindle Letterman out of $2 million in exchange for keeping quiet about the late night host's romantic affairs.
He faced up to 15 years in prison but was sentenced to six months in jail and 1,000 hours of community service.
The fallen producer is eligible for release from the Eric M. Taylor Center at Rikers Island in early September. The 2010 Primetime Emmy's will air on Sept. 27.
