NEW YORK (AP) - A former CBS television producer who admitted

trying to shake down David Letterman over the late-night comic's

office affairs is bracing for time behind bars.

Robert "Joe" Halderman was set to be sentenced Tuesday to a

six-month jail term, as planned when he pleaded guilty in March to

attempted grand larceny. His plea deal also calls for 1,000 hours

of community service.

Halderman admitted trying to extort $2 million from the "Late

Show" host last fall by threatening to ruin his reputation.

Authorities say Halderman buttressed the threat with information

he'd culled from the diary of a former girlfriend who worked for

Letterman.

The scheme prompted Letterman to disclose on air he'd had sex

with women on his staff.

Viewers have stuck with Letterman. But he says the scandal has

taken a personal toll.