Conn. judge OKs release of warrants in Letterman extortion case, shields witness identities
By John Christoffersen, APThursday, October 15, 2009
Judge OKs release of warrants in Letterman case
NORWALK, Conn. — A Connecticut judge says information in search warrants should be released in the case of a newsman accused of trying to blackmail David Letterman.
Norwalk Superior Court Judge Bruce Hudock (HOO’-dok) ruled Thursday that the documents can be released, but only after information is removed that identifies witnesses and what prosecutors call “victims by association.”
Authorities obtained the warrants to search the home and car of CBS News producer Robert J. “Joe” Halderman. He 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.
Prosecutors said releasing the warrants could subject witnesses to media scrutiny and hurt the prosecution. Representatives of The Associated Press and New York Post argued for release of the documents in Thursday’s hearing.
(This version CORRECTS spelling of judge’s name to Hudock sted Hudok.)
