Sentencing set for ex-officer dubbed Cannibal Cop

NEW YORK — A former New York City police officer acquitted in a conspiracy to kidnap, kill and eat women faces sentencing for his conviction on a minor charge.

Gilberto Valle is likely to remain free after appearing before a Manhattan federal judge Wednesday for sentencing for unlawfully accessing a federal database.

Prosecutors say they are appealing Judge Paul Gardephe’s (GAR-dif-ee’s) decision to override a jury verdict and order Valle acquitted of conspiracy.

Valle was dubbed the Cannibal Cop by tabloids after his 2012 arrest. Jurors heard evidence he conversed online with strangers about killing and cooking his wife and others in a cannibalism plot. The judge said it was most likely that his communications were fantasy role-play.

Defense lawyers say the one year in prison he already has served is sufficient.