NYC "cannibal cop" is sentenced to time served

NEW YORK - A former New York City police officer acquitted of conspiring to kidnap, kill and eat women has been sentenced to time served for his conviction on a minor charge.

Gilberto Valle was sentenced Wednesday for unlawfully accessing a federal database. He also received one year of probation. He must continue to get mental health treatment and cannot contact women involved in the case.

Prosecutors say they are appealing Judge Paul Gardephe'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.

In overturning his conviction, the judge said it was most likely that his communications were fantasy role-play.