35 Years in Prison for Hinsdale Bombing Suspect

A federal judge Thursday sentenced James Zajac - the suspect in a 2006 explosion at the Hinsdale Metra Station - to 35 years in prison for setting off an explosion at a Salt Lake City library.

U.S. District Court Clark Waddoups handed down the sentence, which was less than the maximum of life in prison sought by federal prosecutors for the September 2006 explosion that took place two weeks after the Hinsdale incident. Zajac, 57, formerly of Downers Grove, will spend five years on supervised release after leaving prison and must pay nearly $6,200 in restitution to the library.

"When the defendant placed a bomb at the Salt Lake Public Library in 2006 and walked away, he terrorized the community," Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Benson said.  "Luckily, the bomb didn’t kill anyone in the crowded building that day, but it could have. There is hardly an act more deliberately dangerous than placing a deadly incendiary device in a crowded city area.  It creates panic, chaos, and fear.  It is the definition of terrorism."

Zajac has already filed an appeal of his Utah convictions, which came after a two-week trial last year. The appeal had been on hold until after his sentencing.

Zajac also awaits a federal trial in Chicago on charges in the Metra station case. He is scheduled for a May 6 hearing.