Robert “Joe” Halderman, the former CBS television producer who tried to extort money from David Letterman over his affairs with staffers, began his six-month jail term on May 4, the Associated Press (AP) has reported.

Before being led from a New York City court room to start the sentence, Halderman had nothing to say. The 52-year-old producer ended up pleading guilty in March to attempted grand larceny, admitting he demanded $2 million to keep from revealing Letterman’s affairs. In addition to the jail sentence, he also received 1,000 hours of community service.

Halderman’s lawyer said his client succumbed to jealousy and financial pressure. Lawyers for the producer’s ex-wife said he was struggling with money after their divorce. Halderman also told one of Letterman’s lawyers he needed money to visit his son.

While he didn’t appear in court for the start of the sentence, Letterman did comment on the case during a television appearance the week before. “You take a look at the explosion, and it knocks you down,” he said on April 30 during his interview on ‘Live! With Regis and Kelly.’

Halderman has also publicly commented on the case. When he pleaded guilty, he said “I feel great remorse for what I have done.”

Written by: Karen Benardello

Robert Joe Halderman in Court