Robert Halderman, the CBS News producer accused of  trying to extort $2 million from David Letterman plead guilty to blackmail in exchange for a six-month jail sentence, New York media outlets report.  The Daily News says Halderman will also be required to serve 4 1/2 years probation and do 1,000 hours of community service.  He is accused of attempted grand larceny, which carried a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison, The Times says.

According to the New York Times, Staff members of Mr. Letterman’s “Late Show” said the comedian was unlikely to address the matter on his show Tuesday night and instead intended to let the statement be his only reaction to the court action.

“I would like to thank the District Attorney of Manhattan, Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., the former District Attorney, Robert M. Morgenthau, the Special Prosecutions Bureau in the D.A.’s Office, and the New York City Police Department. When they became involved with this case, I had complete faith that a just and appropriate result was inevitable. On behalf of my family, I am extremely grateful for their tireless efforts.”