NEW YORK – A federal appeals court has denied bail for a New York City police officer charged with conspiring to rape, kill and eat women.
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied bail for Gilberto Valle (VAL'-ee) on Tuesday.
Attorney Edward Zas argued for bail for Valle. He said the officer merely engaged in the same sexual fantasies as 40,000 other people who go on Internet sites that cater to fetishes.
Judge Chester Straub disputed the lawyer's claim. He said there appeared to be evidence Valle took steps to carry out some of the plots. A prosecutor agreed.
A co-defendant from New Jersey previously was denied bail.
Valle's trial is scheduled to start next week. However, defense lawyers say they may need more time to prepare their case.
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