Gilberto Valle Update: Trial set to begin for alleged NYC "cannibal cop"

(CBS/AP) NEW YORK - The trial for accused "cannibal cop" Gilberto Valle is scheduled to start today.

PICTURES: NYC cop accused of plot to kidnap and cook women

Opening statements are expected early Monday afternoon in the case against 28-year-old Gilberto Valle, who is accused of online plots to cook and eat women.

Federal prosecutors plan to use emails and other evidence to show that Valle had dangerous schemes to abduct women and devour them. They said he even drew up a list of targets by using a law enforcement database.

Defense witnesses are expected to describe how he lived in a secret fantasy world, in which participants would role play and fantasize about cannibalism, but never act on it.

A New Jersey man charged with scheming with Valle to kidnap, rape and murder a Manhattan woman is awaiting trial. He also said he intended no harm.

Complete coverage of Gilberto Valle on Crimesider