New Details in Alleged Letterman Blackmail | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Friday, October 16, 2009

New York The newly-unsealed search warrant describes David Letterman as 'client number one,' a public figure who received a package from CBS News Producer Joe Halderman, "containing a demand letter", "a treatment for a screenplay," and "supporting materials" proving he'd had affairs with female staffers.

The warrant said the supporting materials include letters, e-mails and photos.

"Halderman says to Letterman 'you have a beautiful family, I'm going to ruin your reputation, your world's going to fall apart think about your loving and beautiful son'. If what's in this warrant is true I don't think Halderman has much of a defense," said Attorney Roy Black.

Investigators sought some of Halderman's personal belongings including "a diary and personal correspondence belonging to Halderman's girlfriend, Stephanie Birkitt.

Birkitt, who is currently on paid leave from "Late Night," reportedly had a sexual relationship with Letterman. The warrant says letterman's attorney met with "48 Hours Mystery" producer three times. In one of those meetings Halderman accepted a check.

Attorney Roy Black: "They wired his lawyer, they tape recorded the meeting I'm sure Halderman has hung himself many times over."

The search warrant does not provide details of how Halderman thought the materials he had would ruin letterman's reputation.

"We don't know what the alleged smoking guns against letterman were and leaving it to everyone's imagination, rightfully or wrongfully," said Legal Analyst Mickey Sherman.