Lawyer for Accused David Letterman Blackmailer Denies Extortion
David Letterman
A lawyer for the CBS producer accused of blackmailing David Letterman says his client was only attempting to sell the Late Show host a screenplay, according to The Associated Press.
David Letterman felt "threatened" over extortion attempt
"There was no extortion. There was a screenplay for sale," Gerald Shargel, Robert J. Halderman's attorney, said in a statement outside of the courtroom. "There was a commercial transaction. Nothing more."
Despite Shargel asking that the case be dismissed, Letterman's lawyer is not backing down. "It's classic blackmail, no matter how Mr. Halderman's lawyer wants to dress it up," Daniel Horwitz told the AP.
CBS colleagues post bail for Letterman suspect, still in shock over arrest
Halderman, 51, pleaded not guilty to attempted first-degree grand larceny.
