Letterman scheme suspect to ask court to drop case

NEW YORK (AP) - November 10, 2009 -- The CBS News producer accused of blackmailing David Letterman hopes to get a judge to dismiss an extortion case that prompted the late-night comic to acknowledge affairs with staffers.

Robert J. "Joe" Halderman's lawyer says he plans to challenge whether the evidence presented to a grand jury was sufficient and ask a judge Tuesday to dismiss the attempted grand larceny charge against his client. Challenging grand jury evidence is a common first defense step in New York criminal cases.

Defense lawyer Gerald Shargel wouldn't discuss details.

Prosecutors say Halderman demanded $2 million to keep quiet about some of the "Late Show" host's dalliances. Halderman has pleaded not guilty.

Letterman acknowledged on his show last month he'd had sex with women who worked for him.

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