DOCUMENT: Celebrity, Crime

Letterman Warrants Released

Documents detail alleged blackmail bid against TV star

David Letterman

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Letterman Search Warrants Released

OCTOBER 15--A Connecticut judge today released search warrants for the house and car of the man accused of trying to extort $2 million from David Letterman. A copy of the warrant executed October 1 at the Norwalk home of Robert Halderman can be found here (an identical warrant was secured for Halderman's Honda Accord).

The document provides an overview of the police investigation of Halderman, a CBS producer who allegedly sought to blackmail Letterman, 62, over the TV star's sexual dalliances with members of his staff. Superior Court Judge Bruce Hudock ordered the release of the warrants with minor redactions.

Included in the unsealed records was an inventory showing what investigators removed from the Renzulli Road home Halderman shared until recently with Stephanie Birkitt, a Letterman assistant who reportedly had an affair with the "Late Show" host. Along with computer equipment, a camera memory card, and a "MY Magazine w/Letterman," cops seized bank records, two copies of a check, and a "Suspect/Attny agreement."

It is unclear whether this agreement is somehow related to Halderman's negotiations with James Jackoway, Letterman's attorney, who provided Halderman with a $2 million check at the close of a September 30 meeting at a New York City hotel. That sitdown was recorded by investigators. Halderman, 51, has pleaded not guilty to attempted grand larceny. (6 pages)