A judge has set a trial date for a New Jersey man accused of conspiring with a former New York City police officer to abduct, rape and kill a Manhattan woman.
Federal Judge Paul Gardephe scheduled a Nov. 4 trial for Michael Vanhise during a hearing Thursday.
The Trenton, NJ, auto mechanic has been held without bail since his January arrest.
He is accused of agreeing to pay Gilberto Valle $5,000 to kidnap a woman and bring her to his residence for him to rape and kill. He has pleaded not guilty.
His lawyer has said her client engaged in sexual fantasy chat on the Internet with no plans to harm anyone.
A similar defense failed for Valle. He was convicted last month and awaits sentencing.