A judge has overturned the conviction of a New York cop arrested on charges of plotting to kidnap, kill, and eat young women.
Manhattan Federal Judge Paul Gardephe ruled late Monday afternoon that there was not enough evidence for a jury to find ex-NYPD officer Gilberto Valle guilty of plotting to kidnap, kill, and eat these young women. This ruling acquits Valle, who has been dubbed the “cannibal cop,” of the most serious count – kidnapping conspiracy – which he would have faced life in prison for.
Judge Paul Gardephe determined that the prosecution lacked hard evidence, saying that Valle’s internet conversations were just ‘fantasy role-play.’
“The evidentiary record is such that it is more likely than not the case that all of Valle’s Internet communications about the kidnapping are fantasy role-play,” Gardephe said in a 118-page written opinion.
Valle’s defense lawyer, Julia Gatto, also said in a statement that he is innocent of any conspiracy, and that the only thing he is guilty of is having “unconventional thoughts.”
The “cannibal cop” has spent the last 18 months behind bars, seven of which have been spent in solitary confinement. The judge upheld Valle’s conviction on a charge of using the law enforcement database illegally.
Valle’s hearing is set for Tuesday, but it’s unlikely he will serve any further time since that charge carries a maximum sentence of one year and he has already served over that time.
SOURCE: NY Daily News | PHOTO CREDIT: Screengrab
