Forest Hills' 'Cannibal Cop' Found Guilty

The "cannibal cop" accused of plotting to in New York City was found guilty in Manhattan Federal Court Tuesday, setting up a possible life sentence in prison, the U.S. Attorney announced.

Gilberto Valle, a New York City police officer and Forest Hills resident, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and one count of intentionally and knowingly accessing a computer without authorization. The maximum sentence possible is life imprisonment.

"Today, a unanimous jury found that Gilberto Valle’s detailed and specific plans to abduct women for the purpose of committing grotesque crimes were very real, and that he was guilty as charged," said U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. "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.”

During the course of Valle's two-week trial, the jury heard and saw evidence that included his planning with co-cospirators. In one case Valle agreed to a bounty he would receive for kidnapping a woman and delivering her alive.

In one online conversation uncovered by investigators, Valle called his first would-be victim "absolutely mouthwatering." 

Valle's wife also testified on behalf of the prosecution during the trial.

Valle was arrested last year at his home in Forest Hills.