Would-be Letterman blackmailer out of jail

NEW YORK — The former television producer who tried to blackmail David Letterman was freed Thursday after four months in jail for a plot that put a spotlight on the comic icon's office affairs.

Robert "Joe" Halderman got time off for good behavior from his six-month term at the Rikers Island jail complex. He still has to complete 1,000 hours of community service, and he'll be on probation for five years.

Halderman, 52, pleaded guilty earlier this spring to attempted grand larceny. He admitted he demanded $2 million last fall to keep from revealing personal information about Letterman.