Oct. 2 (Bloomberg) -- David Letterman said that someone tried to blackmail him for $2 million over affairs he had with female employees, an attempt thwarted by a sting operation after he notified the authorities.

Letterman, 62, revealed this on his CBS Corp. television program yesterday. He didn’t identify the extortionist, only saying that the man contacted him through a letter three weeks ago and threatened to make the relationships public if he didn’t pay.

“It’s been a very bizarre experience,” Letterman said on the program. Letterman also said that he has had sex with women who worked on his show.

The disclosure comes as Letterman’s show is posting record ratings, extending its lead over late-night rivals such as “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien,” according to Nielsen Co. data. The two hosts had their first face-off when both networks aired their new prime-time programs.

This is the 16th year Letterman has hosted “Late Show with David Letterman,” and his 27th year in late-night comedy, according to the CBS Web site.

Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau will announce at a press conference today the indictment of a Connecticut man for attempting to steal money from Letterman in an extortion scheme, according to a statement from the DA’s office.

‘Terrible Things’

Of the blackmail, Letterman said he found a package in the backseat of his car that contained proof of “terrible” things he had done. The letter in the package said “I know that you do some terrible, terrible things and I can prove that you do these terrible things,” Letterman said.

Letterman said the man who sent the package was threatening to write a screenplay and a book about him if he didn’t pay $2 million. After consulting with his attorney he informed the district attorney’s office of the attempt.

“And they say, ‘Hello, this is blackmail,” according to him. Letterman said he was driven by guilt and the need to protect himself and his family. He said he hopes to protect his job.

He then gave the man a phony check for the sum and said that an arrest has been made.

“Letterman’s comments on the broadcast tonight speak for themselves,” CBS spokesman Dana McClintock said in an e-mailed statement.

Letterman married Regina Lasko in March. The two started dating in 1986 and have a six-year-old son, the AP reported.

To contact the reporter on this story: Jeran Wittenstein in San Francisco at jwittenstei1@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: October 2, 2009 09:50 EDT