'Cannibal Cop' Gilberto Valle Guilty of Plot to Rape, Eat Women
Former NYPD policeman Gilberto Valle, dubbed the "cannibal cop," was found guilty of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and wrongfully accessing a federal database on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old married father was convicted on two counts after prosecutors argued that he intended to kidnap, rape, cook and eat potential victims. He now faces up to life in prison, according to CBS News.
Defense attorney Julia Gatto argued that the damning evidence presented in court, which allegedly included gruesome photos and emails found on Valle's computer, were only intended for "fantasy role-play" and ultimately "make believe." Prosecutors maintained that the evidence was part of a detailed plan to assist Valle in preparing to carry out his plot.
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A jury of 12 deliberated for approximately 16 hours over a 4-day period prior to delivering the verdict.
"We did what we had to do," foreman Ceaser Monitto told The New York Daily News. "We did our duty. I'll leave it at that.
Valle faces up to life in prison for count one, conspiracy, and up to five years in prison for the second count, wrongfully accessing a federal database.
"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," U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said after the verdict.
Among the trial witnesses was Valle's estranged wife, Kathleen Mangan, who testified against him on Monday Feb. 25. Mangan, who claimed she found disturbing online postings made by Valle, was the alleged whistleblower in the case after reporting him to the FBI.
One document found on Mangan's laptop was titled "Abducting and Cooking Kimberly -- A Blueprint." It included a photograph of Kimberly Sauer, who is a former classmate of Valle, and other personal information including her bra size and shoe size.
Valle was remanded into custody where he will remain until his June 19 sentencing.
