Late Show host Letterman earns an estimated $40m a year

Kelly Frank, 43, a painter working at Mr Letterman's Montana ranch, was arrested last week and appeared in court in Choteau on Tuesday.

He had a key to Letterman's house and knew where 16-month-old Harry slept.

He was apprehended after discussing a kidnap with a friend - but said it was a "light-hearted conversation".

Mr Frank, who was painting the ranch buildings, faces charges of solicitation, theft and obstructing a police officer. He could be jailed for at least 10 years if convicted.

Kelly Frank had been hired to paint the buildings on Letterman's ranch

An acquaintance told investigators Mr Frank talked about kidnapping the baby and nanny for 48 hours, in an attempt to get ransom money.

Mr Frank's lawyer said his client admitted "there were discussions about it, but with no purpose of carrying it out".

Court records also showed Mr Frank said he had a key and knew where the boy's bedroom was.

His fiancee said the acquaintance was an estranged childhood friend who had a "personal vendetta" against Mr Frank following a fight at work.

The handyman was held in custody until his next court appearance on 5 April.

Mr Letterman, who hosts the nightly Late Show on CBS, is the second highest-paid US TV host, according to Forbes magazine, with estimated earnings of $40m (�21m) a year.