CBS workers 'bail out Letterman accused'

Co-workers of accused David Letterman extortionist Robert Halderman have posted his bail.

The 48 Hours producer was named by New York City police as the man behind the $2m (£1.25m) scheme to blackmail the US chatshow host regarding his sexual relations with several female staff members.

Letterman confessed to the affairs during a broadcast last week.

It was earlier revealed that his former assistant Stephanie Birkitt, who is believed to be one of the women involved, had dated Halderman prior to his extortion attempt.

Halderman's attorney Gerald L. Shargel told The New York Times that two of the producer's colleagues, Andy Soto and Marc Goldbaum, had posted $200,000 (£125,000) bond for his bail.

Neither man would comment on the matter.

Halderman has pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempted first-degree grand larceny. If convicted of the crime, he could face upwards of 5to 15 years in jail.