Conn. prosecutor wants search warrants kept sealed in extortion case involving Letterman

Conn. prosecutor wants Letterman warrants sealed

NORWALK, Conn. — A Connecticut prosecutor requested Wednesday that search warrants continue to be kept under wraps in the case of a newsman accused of trying to blackmail David Letterman.

CBS News producer Robert J. “Joe” Halderman has pleaded not guilty to trying to extort $2 million from the late-night TV host in return for keeping some of the comedian’s sexual affairs quiet.

Prosecutor Suzanne Vieux filed papers in Norwalk Superior Court arguing that unsealing search warrants could subject witnesses to media scrutiny and hurt the prosecution.

By releasing evidence in an extortion case, victims may be less willing to cooperate with authorities, she said.

The search warrants involve Halderman’s house in Norwalk and a 2006 Honda Accord.

The prosecutor also wants the courtroom closed during a hearing Thursday, saying the information the state is trying to keep sealed could be disclosed.

Halderman’s attorney, Gerald Shargel, said he has not seen the documents and was not aware of the prosecutor’s moves.

“They seem very sensitive,” Shargel said. “They seem to have a low threshold for pain. Sooner or later this has to be disclosed.”

A telephone message was left Wednesday for Vieux.