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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Alleged ‘Cannibal Cop’ in|NYPD Pleads Not Guilty

MANHATTAN (CN) - A New York City police officer who is accused of plotting to kidnap, kill, cook and eat women denied all charges at an arraignment Monday.

Gilberto Valle, 28, earned the nickname "cannibal cop" after federal prosecutors released a criminal complaint weeks ago detailing emails and instant messages between him and unnamed co-conspirators.

The communications, as reproduced in the complaint, show Valle discussing "plans to kidnap, rape, torture, kill, cook and eat body parts of a number of women."

His computer allegedly had files on at least 100 women.

On Thursday, the grand jury returned an indictment charging Valle with intending to kidnap "Victim 1," and accessing the National Crime Information Center database without authorization.

Valle pleaded not guilty to both counts at a brief arraignment on Monday.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Hadassa Waxman said that the evidence includes files from Valle's computers and six email accounts, as well as statements he made to the FBI after his arrest.

U.S. District Judge Paul Gardephe warned Valle's public defender, Julia Gatto, as she tried to get her client released on bail until trial.

"You have a tough road to hoe," Gardephe said, noting that two other judges previously denied such motions.

Gatto claimed that pretrial services have recommended Valle's release "with conditions" since that time.

An attorney for the woman identified as "Victim 2" is expected to testify at a Tuesday bail hearing, set for 3 p.m.

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