Guilty Of Plot To Kill, Eat Women
The so-called ‘cannibal cop’ was found guilty by a unanimous jury in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday, Mar. 12, of conspiracy to kidnap and illegally using a federal information database in connection with an online plot to kidnap, rape, kill and cannibalize a number of women.
Gilberto Valle, a Forest Hills resident and former active-duty officer with the NYPD assigned to the 23rd Precinct, was arrested Oct. 24, 2012 at his 108th Street address. In gathering information about his victims, Valle accessed a federal database called the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
After searching Valle’s computer in September, investigators found files with photos of more than 80 women, as well as personal information such as addresses and physical descriptions.
The computer files also included a blueprint for the crime, as well as a checklist for tools such as rope, chloroform and a car.
None of the targets were harmed, according to law enforcement.
Valle’s computer also included communications between himself and unnamed co-conspirators in which they planned to abduct and “cook” an unidentified woman.
Valle had conversations with one co-conspirator and agreed to kidnap a woman and deliver her bound, gagged and alive for $5,000 cash.
In another instance, he reportedly had lunch with a potential victim and later remarked to a co-conspirator online that the woman “looked absolutely mouthwatering.”
“The Internet is a forum for the free exchange of ideas, but it does not confer immunity for plotting crimes and taking steps to carry out those crimes,” said Preet Bharara, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, in announcing the verdict.
The kidnapping charges carry a maximum life sentence and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
Charges for illegally accessing the NCIC carry a maximum one-year sentence and maximum $100,000 fine.
The NYPD suspended Valle without pay after his arrest, and his conviction results in automatic termination.
Assistant United States Attorneys Hadassa Waxman and Randall W. Jackson are leading the prosecution.
The three-week trial was held before District Judge Paul G. Gardephe. Valle is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Gardephe on June 19.
