Man accused in Letterman kidnapping plot to be freed

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – A man once accused of plotting to kidnap David Letterman’s young son and his son’s nanny from the comedian’s Montana ranch for a $5 million ransom is set to be released from prison Thursday.

Montana Parole Board analyst Julie Thomas tells The Great Falls Tribune Kelly Frank’s parole request was granted in June. He became eligible in May 2011.

The 2005 kidnapping-related charges were ultimately dismissed, but Frank was sentenced to 10 years in prison for overcharging Letterman for painting work at his Teton County ranch.

Frank escaped from the Montana State Prison in 2007 and was recaptured six days later. He was given another 10-year sentence for the escape.

Letterman spokesman Tom Keaney told the Associated Press on Wednesday night that he has no comment.

This story was originally published September 11, 2014 at 7:05 AM with the headline "Man accused in Letterman kidnapping plot to be freed."